Museum Of Islamic Arts A Celebration Of Islamic Art From All Over The World

Situated in the massive leafy sprawl of Kuala Lumpurs Lake Gardens

, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is the largest storehouse of the worlds 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 Scholars 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 faade and interior of the museum combine the lines of modernity and the harmonious ambience of Islamic dcor. The Iwan-style entrance has been wrought into a ceramic mosaic framing words of welcome from the Quran, 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 worlds 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 scholars 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 architectures greatest triumphs are arranged comprehensively here, from the Masjid al-Haram to a variety of Central Asias 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 Asias contribution to Islamic art.

The IAMMs 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 KLs downtown area, a centralized accommodation option with an international reputation for fine living and inimitable service.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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