Imperial Threads: motifs and artisans from Turkey, Iran and India
15 March 2017 to 27 January 2018
Imperial Threads: Motifs and Artisans from Turkey, Iran and India brings a new perspective to the Museum of Islamic Art’s collection by showing the connection between three major dynasties who mark the start of the early modern period in Islamic art. With this interaction between the Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal dynasties, an entirely new distinctive range of motifs emerged, referencing and building upon earlier Islamic tradition and foreign artistic influences. Through the high level of patronage and artistic craftsmanship, patrons and artists succeeded in shaping this cultural exchange. Focusing on carpets as the prominent medium, manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, and other objects are also featured in this exhibition to illustrate the historical and artistic context of this time.
THE CURATORS
DR. MOUNIA CHEKHAB-ABUDAYA Curator for North Africa and Iberia at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Doha since 2012.
JULIA TUGWELL Assistant Curator at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Doha since May 2015.
Museum of Islamic Art
Cloudband Motifs
The cloudband or tchi, is a wavy ribbon-like motif generally formed in the shape of a horse shoe.
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Medallion Motifs
The medallion motif is generally circular or ogival in shape, and is often found centrally displayed within a greater design field.
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Animal Motifs
Animal motifs had long been depicted in Islamic and pre-Islamic art, decorating objects including ceramics, manuscripts, textiles and stonework.
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Çintamani Motifs
The word çintamani comes from Sanskrit and means ‘auspicious jewel’.
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Saz Motifs
The conquest of parts of Persia by the Ottomans in the 16th century largely influenced Turkish design styles.
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Lotus Flower Motifs
Adapted from Chinese traditions, the lotus flower is a motif that frequently appeared in Islamic art following the Mongol invasions of the 13th century.
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Lattice Motifs
Mughal art often features floral compositions grouped into clusters and placed to fit within an interlaced or criss-crossed scheme, commonly called the lattice design.
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Flower Motifs
Flower motifs, a common design found in many compositions, are apparent in most of the objects featured in this exhibition.
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