• Qur’anic verses

  

  The frieze, from an Indian shrine, consists of 13 elements that reproduce Verses 18-24 of Surah 59 of the Qur’an, known as Al-Hashr, “The Gathering.” 

• Chinese influence

  

  In attempting to imitate white-glazed Chinese ceramics, Abbasid potters succeeded in perfecting the first pieces of faience, or tin-glazed pottery, in the late eighth and early ninth centuries. 

• Luxury tableware 

  

  Used in sumptuous banquets, this platter attests to the settlement and success of artists from Mosul in Syria, Egypt and Iran between 1220 and 1260. 

• Poetic ceramics 

  

  The inscriptions on this typical Iranian Kashan-style jug are formulas and poetic verses in Persian and Arabic, wishing the owner a long life.

• Arabic proverbs

  

  This item, made for a cultured clientele, is decorated with proverbs (amthal) in Arabic. The technique suggests the work of an experienced calligrapher. 

• Decorative carpets

  

  The Ushak carpet has range of decorative possibilities, and association with religious worship and court protocol made it one of the emblems of the Islamic arts.