Weaving History and Luxury: The Allure of Safavid Textiles at the Museum of Islamic Art

From the intricate patterns of its brocade silk textiles to the mesmerizing designs of its carpets, Safavid Iran (1501-1736) presents a vivid tapestry of historical grandeur and artistic brilliance. In a stunning exhibition that seamlessly blends history, art, and luxury, Qatar Museums brings this sumptuous legacy to life in Fashioning an Empire: Textiles from Safavid Iran. This unique showcase is slated to be on display at Doha’s prestigious Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) from October 23, 2023, through April 20, 2024. Initially conceived by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., the exhibition made its debut as part of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture.

Curated by MIA’s own Nicoletta Fazio, the exhibition is an immersive experience, featuring more than 100 pieces, including 20 priceless brocade silk textiles and 12 intricately designed carpets from the Safavid period. Far from being mere artifacts, these textiles serve as powerful conduits for the artistic ideas and visual language that were the underpinnings of the Safavid empire. They were not just objects of beauty but some of the most sought-after luxury commodities of their era, traded extensively across global markets from India to Europe. The historical context of these textiles is further enriched with the inclusion of four full-length portraits that provide a glimpse into the ethnically diverse population that characterized Safavid society.

The exhibition is organized into four compelling sections, each telling a different facet of the Safavid story. The first part provides an intimate look into the historical milieu under Shah ‘Abbas I, who orchestrated a paradigm shift in Iran’s textile industry by establishing a state-funded silk monopoly. The second section transports visitors to the cultural and economic hub of the empire, Isfahan. Once the capital, Isfahan was a bustling marketplace where these intricate textiles would have been both created and traded. The third section of the exhibition delves into the nuanced practices of self-representation through fashion in Safavid society, pairing historical textiles with contemporary illustrations and paintings to create a dialogue across time.

The final section, aptly named “Fashion Forward,” bridges historical grandeur with modern creativity. This part of the exhibition is overseen by MIA curator Tara Desjardins and features garments and accessories designed by local Qatari artists from M7, Qatar’s center for innovation and entrepreneurship in fashion and design. These contemporary pieces are directly inspired by the Safavid textiles on display, establishing a tangible connection between past opulence and present-day artistic endeavors.

This ambitious undertaking is part of Qatar Creates, a year-round cultural initiative aimed at curating, promoting, and celebrating the rich tapestry of Qatar’s diverse cultural activities. Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, emphasized that the exhibition serves as a “shining example” of how cultural exchange can foster mutual understanding and unity among diverse populations. Echoing her sentiments, MIA Director Dr. Julia Gonnella remarked that the exhibition offers a fresh avenue to appreciate the museum’s extensive collection of Iranian artworks, thereby deepening public understanding of the rich and varied tapestry of Islamic art.

The timing of this exhibition is especially significant for the Museum of Islamic Art, which recently reopened its doors after an extensive facilities enhancement project. Now considered one of the premier institutions of Islamic art globally, the reimagined MIA offers an experience that is more accessible, engaging, and educational for its visitors. With around 1,000 objects on display—many for the first time—the Fashioning an Empire exhibition adds a lustrous thread to a museum already revered for its diverse and extraordinary masterpieces.

Fashioning an Empire: Textiles from Safavid Iran extends an invitation to audiences both local and international, to immerse themselves in the luxurious world of Safavid art and culture. As the exhibition weaves together the past and present, it offers a profound look into how textiles can serve as both a reflection of a society’s artistic prowess and a catalyst for cultural dialogue. Through its expert curation and interplay of historical and contemporary elements, the exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring impact of artistic legacy on the tapestry of human connection. It promises to be an enlightening experience, illuminating the intricate patterns of history, art, and human endeavor.