The highlights from the Walters Art Museum Islamic Art Collection

In 1931, the City of Baltimore received one of its greatest treasures when Henry Walters (1848–1931) bequeathed his collection of 22,000 works of art to his native city “for the benefit of the public”. The Museum’s holdings include pieces from historic Islamic lands extending from southern Spain to Central Asia, ranging in date from the 7th century to the 19th century. The Walters is particularly strong in Islamic metalwork, ceramics, and arts of the book.

Tankard

image Artist: Anonymous (Turkish), ca. 1525-1550 (Early Modern), gilt on brass, 5 1/4 x 3 5/8 in. (13.4 x 9.2 cm) / Photo © Walters Art Museum

Tray from a Small Serving Table

image Artist: Anonymous (Iranian), late 12th-early 13th century (Medieval), brass, silver and copper inlay, 1 9/16 x 14 x 8 7/8 in. (4 x 35.5 x 22.5 cm) / Photo © Walters Art Museum

Inkwell with Kufic and Naski Inscriptions

image Artist: Muhammad ibn Abu Sahl al-Harawi (Iranian, active ca. 1200), ca. 1200 (Medieval), bronze, inlaid with silver and copper, H: 3 1/8 in. (8 cm) / Photo © Walters Art Museum

Candlestick Base

image
Artist: Anonymous (Egyptian), Patron: Zayn al-Din Kitbugha (Egyptian, reigned 1294-1296), ca. 1290 (Mamluk; Bahri), brass with silver, gold and copper inlays, H: 10 7/16 x Diam: 12 13/16 in. (26.5x32.5 cm)

Round Box

image Artist: Anonymous (Persian), 14th century, brass, silver, gold, H: 3 7/16 x Diam: 3 11/16 in. (8.8x9.4 cm) / Photo © Walters Art Museum

Incense Burner or Handwarmer

image Artist: Zain Ad-din, 15th-16th century (late Medieval), gilded, pierced, and chased brass, with silver inlay, 3 1/2 x 3 3/8 in. (8.9x8.6 cm) (h. x diam.) / Photo © Walters Art Museum

Jug

image Artist: Anonymous (Iranian), late 15th century (late Medieval), gilt on bronze with silver inlay, 7 3/16x5 1/2 x 4 13/16 in. (18.3x14x12.3 cm) (diam.) / Photo © Walters Art Museum

Plaque for Printing a Pilgrimage Certificate

image Artist: Anonymous (Egyptian or Syrian), 18th century (Early Modern), engraved bronze, 10 13/16 x 6 7/8 x 1/4 in. (27.5x17.5x0.6 cm) / Photo © Walters Art Museum

Talisman

image Artist: Anonymous (Iranian), 1748 (Early Modern), carnelian, H: 1 7/16 x W: 2 x D: 1/8 in. (3.6x5x0.3 cm) / Photo © Walters Art Museum

Betel or Paan Box with Inscription and Floral Scrolls

image Artist: Anonymous (Indian), Patron: Abu’l-Kharid Nur al-Hasan Khan (Indian), 19th century (British Raj), engraved brass, 6x3 3/4 in. (15.3x9.5 cm) / Photo © Walters Art Museum

Casket with Harpies

image Artist: Anonymous (Mesopotamian), 12th-13th century, Medium: brass, silver, H: 5 11/16 x W: 5 13/16 x D: 4 5/16 in. (14.5 x 14.8 x 11 cm) / Photo © Walters Art Museum

To learn more visit Walters Art Museum website.


Comments
  • Rimas
    Jan 08, 2011 - 0:39:41

    It is amazing to see such devotion “engraved” in these “house hold” art pieces. It gives the clear picture of not only the ability of craftsman who produced such objects, but also the artistic sensibly of people who used them in their daily life. In contrast to our present, where we are bombarded by no class, mass production which is completely lacks with in self, elements that can create any feelings from those using them.

Add a comment
(to add comment, please )