When is an object considered to be “Islamic art?” For the purposes of this installation, Islamic art is art that originated in a region controlled by Muslims, between the late seventh century CE and the eighteenth century. Usually associated with royal or upper-class Muslim patronage, Islamic art can also reflect the tastes of a thriving middle class.

Calligraphy, the means by which the word of God is transmitted through copying the Qur’an, the Muslim holy book, is the most revered of artistic expressions and can appear in many contexts, religious and secular. Other Islamic art forms include painting (mostly in books), metalwork, ceramics, glass, textiles, woodwork, and architecture.

A common misperception of Islamic art is that it is never figural but instead is always based on calligraphy or floral and geometric patterns. This is true only regarding art used in a religious context – a mosque lamp, for example. Secular art frequently shows representational elements, such as lively animals. It can also include scenes of people, with subjects like reading poetry, playing music, drinking wine, riding horses, hunting with falcons, and engaging in battle.

The Ackland has begun an initiative to add to its existing collection of Islamic art. Displayed here are five recently acquired objects, in various media, ranging across many centuries and locales. They illustrate works used in religious, royal, and utilitarian contexts. In the future these artworks will be juxtaposed with other items in the collection, where they will offer rich comparisons.

One rotation of light-sensitive works will take place on November 21.