The Museum of Islamic Art in downtown Jerusalem was opened in 1974. It is divided into two sections, the first a compendium of religious works and the Muslim world’s contributions to science, astronomy, medicine, and cultural riches. The second part of the museum is historical from prehistoric times through the various civilizations of the Near East to Ottoman and Mughal art. For those of you in my classes this semester you will recognize some of the symbols, styles, and media of Islamic art both ancient and more contemporary. And for all, notice how this museum attempts to give context to works of art many of which are out of their normal environment.
Items for mosques from around the world. In the center is a tiled Mirhab, prayer rugs on either side, and a lamp hanging from above.Umayyad architectural elements from palaces found mostly in Syria, Jordan, and Israel. These come from a palace excavated near Jericho.My favorite piece, Quibla clock that tells one which direction to face for Mecca. This one comes from Istanbul and is dated 18th century.Quran case from 19th century Yemen, small Qurans, and an amulet case from 16th century IranAmulet case from Central Asia (19th century) and a small Quran case with an image of a mosque from Turkey, 19th centuryCalligraphy from Iran and Turkey, 18th or 19th centuryWriting tools, 18th century Turkey including a pen holder, ink well, tiny ruler and spoon made from ivoryDevelopment of science and technology based on the earlier Hellenistic achievements these are glass measuring cups from the 10th century and a tooth extractor from the 17th century IranA medicinal manuscript
Musical instruments from throughout the Islamic world (Morocco to Spain) and then introduced throughout Europe. Notice the small video in the corner showing some of the instruments being played.Chess pieces: chess has been played in the Near East for over 1000 years. It evolved in India and reached Europe in the 7th century.Detail of chess piecesAstrolabe (to identify East), brass and steel compasses from Iran, 12th centuryCeramics of the Samanid dynasty, 9th-10th century were unique in using Kufic (ornamented Quran script) as decorations around the edges.Rectangular box from Fatimid period. Those of you in Art 1A will be seeing a number of boxes of this type from Europe in the next couple of weeks. It is ivory, painted with drawings from Sicily, 12th century.This was my other favorite piece, a running rabbit figure with long ears and a pig’s face, Egypt, bronze from 11th centurySorry for the greenish cast but you can still see the beautiful elaborate decoration on this dish. It is from Iran, early 14th century.Notice the mongol influence in the faces depicted in this work.19th century Yemenite jewelry: slier, filigree and granulation, coral and amber beads.Photograph posted next to the jewelry case showing a bride splendidly adorned.Manuscript telling the story of the Queen of Sheba from Iran, mid 19th centuryOdd set of porcelain figures: sultans, moors, dressed in European clothing from 18th century- not sure of the storyPainted ostrich eggPainted and lacquered ostrich egg18th century hookahEwer and pitcher from India 18th-19th centuryChest for writing utensils 11th century decorated with hunting scenes.
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Hi Mina, just wanted to say thanks for sharing this wonderful artwork with all of us. I have taken both of your classes 1A and !B a couple of semesters ago. You shared a trip to Europe and Isreal then too. It is all fascinating especially now that I can recognize some of the time periods of the works. Kelly Alaniz
Poetry Without Words 
Hi Mina, just wanted to say thanks for sharing this wonderful artwork with all of us. I have taken both of your classes 1A and !B a couple of semesters ago. You shared a trip to Europe and Isreal then too. It is all fascinating especially now that I can recognize some of the time periods of the works. Kelly Alaniz