Some of the items on display at the exhibition.
The Museum of Islamic Arts’ (MIA) blockbuster exhibition, Imperial Threads: Motifs and Artisans from Turkey, Iran and India, was viewed by record more than 90,000 visitors since its opening.
Due to popular demand, the exhibition has been extended to run until January 27. This is the last chance for visitors to discover the exchange of artistic and material cultures between three neighbouring empires, primarily from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
Held under the patronage of Qatar Museums’ (QM) Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the exhibition shows a new element of MIA’s extraordinary permanent collection by highlighting the connection between three major dynasties that marked the start of the early modern period in Islamic art — the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires.
The Imperial Threads exhibition also illustrates the cultural and artistic background of this time by featuring artefacts including carpets, manuscripts, metalwork and ceramics.
Demonstrating the vast cultural contributions of the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires, another significant exhibition on show at MIA is, Powder and Damask: Islamic Arms and Armour from the Collection of Fadel Al Mansoori.
Fadel Al Mansoori is the first Qatari collector to exhibit his private collection at MIA. The exhibition, which is running until May 12, presents edged weapons and firearms crafted primarily in Turkey, Iran and India from the 17th to the mid-19th century. It captures Al Mansoori’s passion for arms and amour, which began seven years ago, and has since grown into one of the best examples of popular craftsmanship styles across the three empires.
Powder and Damask explores the art of craftsmanship, which reached unprecedented levels in these regions under the Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal empires, where weapons were valued not only for their intended purpose but as works of art as well. The objects featured as part of the collection are great examples of the diverse styles and materials, such as ivory, horn, gold inlay and calligraphy, used to decorate weapons during this time period.
A range of educational programmes, workshops, activities and events continue to be organised alongside both exhibitions, which will inspire engagement and provide enriching opportunities for the people of Qatar.
