A Preliminary Catalogue of the Collection of Islamic Art

Abstract

The Collection of Islamic art held at the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia features no academic museum catalogue for the permanent collection. After researching a selection of objects from the 7th to the 20th century, I chose to produce an academic museum catalogue that focuses on the broadranged, all-encompassing nature of the collection. The catalogue I have contributed classifies the objects according to dynasties and their geographical expanse, in addition is an account of the technical innovations that may be associated with the dynastic period. Each object in the catalogue entry features a descriptive analysis in addition to identification of a similar object held in a foreign museum. My contribution highlights the potential the collection of Islamic art held at KFCRIS has in the propagation of knowledge of Islamic art.