The central theme of "Passion for Perfection" is the beauty and exquisite workmanship of Islamic art. The Islamic world is highly diverse, geographically and culturally, and more than thirteen centuries of Islamic artistry are represented in the Khalili Collections. It includes masterpieces from all over the Islamic world: from China and India to Iran and Iraq, from Egypt and Tunisia to Turkey and Spain.'
"The exhibit shows that Islamic art is a masterly expression not of a single national culture or civilization," said Vincent Boele, curator of exhibitions for the museum, "but of many peoples joined by Islam for more than 1,400 years."
Although reflecting Islamic traditions, in this instance the term "Islamic" does not mean these pieces were created just for religious reasons; they were designed as works of art recalling local cultures and beliefs.
The display explores three themes:
• Captivating Calligraphy includes rare manuscripts and illuminated Qur'ans from the 10th to the 19th Century. Calligraphy is a major factor in Islamic art.
• Shining Showpieces features enamels and jewellery encrusted with precious gems such as this pair of earrings decorated with a small filigree bird. They date from the 10th or 11th Century and come from Syria or Egypt.
• Delicately Drawn showcases miniature paintings from India and Iran
The exhibition is accompanied by two publications:
• a 240-page publication in Dutch, Islamic Art from the Khalili Collections, (ISBN/EAN:978-90-78653-23-3), featuring 120 illustrations, has been published by the Museum Shop.
• The Arts of Islam: Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, a 400-page catalogue published by Thames & Hudson, features more than 650 colour illustrations – ISBN: 978-05-00515549.
Passion for Perfection will be on view from 11th December 2010 to 17th April 2011.
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