Fajram Collection: Guided tour of Islamic art

Rare Islamic artworks from The Fajram Collection came alive at Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) on Wednesday afternoon.

With Dr Ronald Hawker, Associate Professor from the Department of Art and Design, Zayed University conducting a guided tour of the Islamic Art exhibition, the visitors were instantly transported back to the 13th century – the period most of the fabled collection belonged to.

“There is a story behind each artwork,” said Dr Hawker as he gave a detailed overview of the collection which comprised Quran manuscripts, illustrated books of science, mathematics and poetry; paintings and miniatures, glazed pottery; woodwork; textiles; jewellery; carpets and coins.

One particularly riveting exhibit was a mélange of two illustrations from Safarid Shahnama, heightened with gold on paper – one showing Afrasiyab watching a battle between two horsemen and the other showing fabled warrior Rustam taking on the Chinese emperor. A rectangular decorated tile, depicting lovers Laila and Majnu seated in a landscape surrounded by wild animals also caught the fancy of visitors.

Other striking exhibits included a mirror case from Iran, a bow and quiver from the Mughal era and an original marriage contract in Arabic and Persian.

The guided tour was part of the First Wednesdays event, held on the first Wednesday of each month to increase public awareness about the legacy of Islamic art.

About the Farjam Collection

The Farjam Collection is considered one of the finest privately-owned Islamic art collections spanning almost the entire history of Islam. It also includes works by masters such as Picasso, Chagall, Dali, Braque, Renoir, Matisse, Miro, Leger and contemporary artistes including Warhol, Basquiat, Calder, Moshiri, Ehsai, Tanavoli, Al Rais and Moustafa