Islamic Chinoiserie

Abstract

Winner of Honourable Mention, Saidi-Sirjani Book Award 2008-9, International Society for Iranian Studies The Mongol invasion in the thirteenth century marked a new phase in the development of Islamic art. Trans-Eurasian exchanges of goods, people and ideas were encouraged on a large scale under the auspices of the Pax Mongolica. With the fascination of portable objects brought from China and Central Asia, a distinctive, hitherto unknown style – Islamic chinoiserie – was born in the art of Iran. This illustrated book offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistic interaction between Iran and China under the Mongols. By using rich visual materials from various media of decorative and pictorial arts – textiles, ceramics, metalwork and manuscript painting – the book illustrates the process of adoption and adaptation of Chinese themes in the art of Mongol-ruled Iran in a visually compelling way. The observation of this unique artistic phenomenon serves to promote the understanding of the artistic diversity of Islamic art in the Middle-Ages. Key features Covers various media of decorative and pictorial arts from Iran, Central Asia and China Deals with a diverse range of issues related to the East-West artistic relationship in the Middle-Ages Includes in-depth studies of style, technique and iconography in Iranian art under the Mongols