ISLAMIC
LACQUER ART
The oldest examples of Islamic lacquer art date back to the late 15th century. In addition to leather and wood, papier mâché in particular is used as the preferred substrate. The colorful décor is applied to book covers, jewel cases, boxes, pen cases, mirror cases and small ornamental cases with watercolors and shell gold and then coated with several layers of clearcoat. The typical Islamic subjects can be traced back to the local tradition of miniature painting and carpet art.
The lacquer work in the Islamic part of the Museum of Lacquer Art displays characteristic patterns of vines and flower arrangements as well as the classic Islamic pictorial theme of “The Rose and the Nightingale.” Literary figures as well as hunting and palace scenes are also depicted.
Impressions from the collection
