The Victoria and Albert Museum has an unrivalled collection of Iranian textiles from the first half of the nineteenth century. This book presents over 200 Qajar textiles, and describes the political and economic context against which they were produced. It is suitable for interior designers, textile students, and for those involved in fashion.
This exceptional collection of Islamic textiles published here ranges widely in region, material and technique. There are exquisite textiles and garments from North Africa, Syria, Arabia, Iran, Turkey and the Indian subcontinent, mainly from the 19th and early 20th centuries, which continue the traditions established in the medieval Islamic world.
"Meticulously detailed as well as gorgeous....The color photographs-which cover page after page and capture these intricate designs in close-up-are the main source of delight."- Time Out (London)Now available in paperback, this lavishly illustrated book celebrates the Victoria and Albert Museum's magnificent collection of dress from around the world. A source of inspiration to many of today's top designers, these colorful items of clothing, seen here in glorious close-up, will delight all lovers of fashion. The detailed line drawings are of special interest to professionals in any aspect of the fashion field. AUTHOR Rosemary Crill is a curator in the department of Asian art at the V&A. Jennifer Wearden is a curator in the department of furniture, textiles, and dress at the V&A. Verity Wilson is a curator in the department of Asian art at the V&A.
Selected Works from the Al Lulwa Collection
The book delves into the evolution of Islamic textile design, highlighting its distinctive abstract motifs like geometric shapes, stylized foliage, and Arabic calligraphy. These patterns, ideal for various textile applications, showcase the craftsmanship from regions such as North Africa, Syria, and Turkey, reflecting a shared design vocabulary. The collection emphasizes nineteenth and early twentieth-century textiles, preserving medieval traditions. It underscores the significance of these textiles in both ceremonial contexts and their enduring legacy in Islamic art, despite their perishable nature.