Micheles Tribal Inspirations Jewelry blog

Museum of Islamic Arts – A Celebration of Islamic Art from All Over the World

Situated in the massive leafy sprawl of Kuala Lumpur’s Lake Gardens, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is the largest storehouse of the world’s Islamic artworks. Housing over seven thousand artefacts ranging from pottery, jewellery and weaponry to scaled replicas of the famous architecture of the Muslim world, as well as the celebrated Scholar’s Library, the museum is considered the ultimate study facility of Islamic art and architecture.

The museum aims to create a more holistic cultural understanding of the Islamic world, delving not only into the Islamic heartland of the Middle East but also Asia with special emphasis on the Southeast and India. The art work is showcased thematically, according to the type of work and its geographical region of origin.

The façade and interior of the museum combine the lines of modernity and the harmonious ambience of Islamic décor. The Iwan-style entrance has been wrought into a ceramic mosaic framing words of welcome from the Qur’an, while the buildings themselves are capped by large turquoise-painted domes evocative of Central Asia towering distinctively over the Kuala Lumpur skyline, a triumph of Uzbekistani architecture. These translate into soft globular ceilings in the buildings’ interior, softening the hard angles of the modern layout and enhancing the feeling of airy, light spaces. The predominant sense within the building is one of seamlessness and continuity that ties in with the cultural melding showcased in the galleries of one age and region to another.

The galleries are divided into two floors, with two others housing changing and touring exhibitions. Nine of the galleries are devoted to artwork by type, while the other three represent artefacts according to region. They are as follows:

* Jewellery: Diamonds, rubies, emeralds and pearls along with a range of semi-precious stones are presented here, showcasing the Islamic world’s reputation for the finest in jewellery craftsmanship and beauty. Nose rings and studs and toe rings are signature Islamic items here.

* Arms & Armour: Armour and weaponry of watered steel are presented here, imbued with almost spiritual beauty. Swords, daggers, maces, axes and spears attest to the ferocity of the ancient warriors.

* Textiles: Representative of social status, wealth and religious affiliation, textiles have their own cultural cryptography to the deciphering of a scholar’s eyes. Most of the samples shown here are from the far eastern spheres of the Islamic world.

* Living with Wood: Wooden showpieces inlaid with ivory and mother-of-pearl create a two-dimensional loveliness to the samples shown herein.

* Coins: Decorated with religious inscriptions and the calligraphy of rulers, the coins of this gallery narrate a detailed history of the days of their currency. Seals of agate, jade and carnelian are also highlights of the exhibition.

* Metalwork: Although made from simple base alloys, these pieces were highly regarded and valued by the people of old.

* Ceramics: Intermixing a variety of cultures, the most predominant of which is the Chinese, the Nishapur calligraphic bowls and Kashan lusterware showcase originality in Muslim pottery that is more than the sum of its parts.

* Architecture: Scale models of Islamic architecture’s greatest triumphs are arranged comprehensively here, from the Masjid al-Haram to a variety of Central Asia’s most famous mausoleums.

* Qur’an & Manuscripts: Dating from the 8th century onwards, this collection contains calligraphy from elite court scribes, the hands of kings and early scholarly manuscripts on astronomy, medicine and mathematics

* India: The Mughal Empire that conquered much of India in the 16th through to 19th centuries was one of the Golden Kingdoms of Islamic Art, borrowing Influences from native Indian lands as well as fertilizing other cultures throughout Asia. The magnificence of their jewels, courts and architecture is showcased here.

* China: Famous for its calligraphy, Islamic art in China is facet of archaeology that has only recently begun to receive the laurels and recognition it deserves.

* Malay World: Famous for its abstract art and calligraphy, wood, metalwork, weaponry and textiles, the Malay World also showcases the epitome of Southeast Asia’s contribution to Islamic art.

The IAMM’s Museum Shop is also a worthy place to visit, as it is a treasure trove of woodwork, jewellery and other artefacts from all over the world, not to mention its extensive collection of rare books.

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is a must-visit cultural experience for any tourist staying at a Kuala Lumpur hotel. Those on the lookout for a Kuala Lumpur luxury hotel are pointed to the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur at the heart of KL’s downtown area, a centralized accommodation option with an international reputation for fine living and inimitable service.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Bidri craft decorative items Karnataka

Amico Pink Flower Green Plants Inlaid Round Alloy Bag Hanger $5.51 Convenient for you hang your handbag anywhere.Compact size and foldable desgin easy for you carry.With the rubber base, it is nonslip and will do no harm to the desks or tables….

Amico Black Red Rhinestone Inlaid Folding Round Handbag Hook $6.19 Peacock detail, red black rhinestone and a big white bead inlay is glittery, folding hanger hook handbag one table when you have dinner in restaurant.Magnetic closure hook for easily folding, round shape hook is save space in bag.Keep the bag clean and safe in your eyes….

Breo IDream 1260 Head and Eye Massager included AA Batteries $149.98 Introduction:The Breo IDream 1260 head and eye massager is designed computer-based according to structure of head region and distribution of different cure points. It uses the principles of channel acupuncture from Chinese Medicine to apply massage, and vibrations to your head and eye, and temple to increases oxygen supply and blood circulation in the head. With music therapy, it can help you redu…

Light Green Alloy Floral Black Velvet Stretchy Ponytail Holder Designed with velvet wrapped elastic band, rhinestones inlaid alloy flower decor.An ideal ornament for ladies….

Black Velvet White Alloy Two Layer Flower Rhinestone Ponytail Holder $4.63 Good elasticity black velvet band, silver tone rhinestone inlaid, an ideal fashion accessory to decorate your hair style and show you personality. Elegant appearance and exquisite design, best choice as a gift for your girl friends….

Amico Plastic Crystal Inlaid 3D Dolphin Car Sticker Decal Silver Tone $5.07 Gold tone 3D sticker is wonderful for car decoration. With plastic crystal inlaid, make the car body look more charming. Self-adhesive decal is easy to stick on car….

Amico Blue Crystal Inlaid Tire Tyre Valves Cap 4 Pcs for Car $6.37 Each cap has a eye-catching crystal inlaid on top. Add a touch of color for your car valve stem to make it different from others. Installation: remove the old cap and screw the crystal valve cap into the valve stem….