Islamic Art, Islamic & Middle Eastern Art, Art, Islamic, Decorative Arts - Pottery & Ceramics - General & Miscellaneous

Ceramics from Islamic Lands

Name: Ceramics from Islamic Lands
Author: Oliver Watson
ISBN: 9780500976296

by Oliver Watson

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Overview

Islamic pottery—the fine ceramics made in the lands of Islam, from the Arab world and Turkey through Iran and into Central Asia—is one of the hidden treasures of world ceramics. While some individual wares such as Iznik are deservedly renowned, its breadth and diversity have generally been overshadowed by the ceramic legacy of China and Europe. Yet Islamic pottery cedes nothing to these great traditions in technical inventiveness and beauty of design. In fact, through close trading links and cultural interchange, Islamic potters have played a crucial role in the development of these other ceramic cultures.The al-Sabah Collection, one of the few truly great collections in private hands, illustrates the unfolding story of Islamic pottery over its fascinating thousand-year history. The collection contains both famous masterpieces and important dated and signed works, and much material is published here for the first time. This richly illustrated catalogue, in which over four hundred pieces are described, provides both an examination of individual items and an overall history of the subject. Introductory essays cover the study and collecting of Islamic pottery over the last hundred years, and trace its technical and chronological history, from the first fine wares made in the eighth century to the destructive impact of European industrialization in the nineteenth century. The individual objects, illustrated with some 900 color pictures, are grouped in geographical and chronological sequence. Not only does the book present a superb collection to the public, it also provides a new framework for the understanding and study of Islamic ceramics. It will appeal to the interested general reader, and is an essential and invaluable reference work for the student and specialist. Over 900 color illustrations.

Author Biography: Oliver Watson, an expert on Islamic pottery, has written extensively on the subject. Formerly Chief Curator of the Department of Ceramics and Glass of the Victoria and Albert Museum, he is now establishing a new Middle Eastern section within the museum.

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Editorials

Library Journal

Spanning 11 centuries, this exquisitely illustrated book underscores the beauty and techniques of multiple Middle Eastern cultures in their design and craftsmanship. Watson, chief curator of the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar, has compiled a vital and stimulating work showcasing a diverse range of historic examples. Seven brief introductory chapters highlight the Sheikh al-Sabah collection in Kuwait, detailing the art, archaeology, and collecting aspects of Islamic pottery, as well as the design and creation of objects, ceramic families and technical traditions, and Islamic pottery from 1000 C.E. to the present. A special chapter explores the restoration and faking of Islamic ceramics. The book focuses on approximately 400 objects in the Sheikh al-Sabah collection, citing description, date, dimensions, inventory number, and provenance. Also included are ceramics and pottery from Central Asia, Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, as well as China and India. This accessible work will open the door for future exploration; highly recommended for all decorative arts collections.-Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Libs., Johnson City Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.