Islamic Works of Art
Islamic works of art is a broad term covering books, manuscripts, ceramics, tiles, metalwork and textiles from parts of the world where Islam is the predominant religion.
Our Islamic department, led by our well-known and highly regarded experts Arthur Millner and Nicholas Shaw, holds spring and autumn sales that include a vast range of objects from 8th century Abbasid pottery to early 20th century works of art.
“Geometric, vegetal and floral designs successfully combined - the finest examples of Islamic art are in a class of their own.”
- Arthur Millner
With estimates from £200-300 our Islamic sales offer an opportunity for new collectors to enter the market while for sellers, you can trust that we will present your property with expert research and knowledge of the market, attracting buyers from around the world and achieving top prices of £100,000 and more.
Our expertise
The strength and depth of our expertise in this field brings people to Olympia Auctions to sell all kinds of Islamic art. From Mamluk and Timurid period metalwork to magnificent Safavid dishes imitating Chinese blue and white and vibrantly coloured Iznik plates, from calligraphy and Persian painting to rugs, kilims and textiles: our experts will be delighted to offer free valuations and advice.
“It’s a mix of academic expertise, knowing the people, judging the market and curating the sale.”
– Arthur Millner
Manuscripts and arts of the book
Nicholas Shaw is our specialist in Islamic texts, calligraphy and miniature painting, He comes to Olympia Auctions with more than 30 years’ experience including as Head of Islamic and Indian Works of Art at Sotheby’s.
“What we describe as Islamic art covers the art made under the patronage of muslim rulers in the Arab, Persian and Turkish worlds, and a little beyond. The starting point of these traditions was much the same as those of early medieval European: they grew from the legacy of the Roman Empire, that of the Sasanian Empire in the Persian world. But from here the artistic paths diverged with the Islamic tradition, in general terms, preferring a more conservative route reflecting their own varied religious and regional proclivities. The most treasured items remain those made for courtly use across this region with the ultimate respect for the arts of the book and calligraphic ornament both on paper and applied to metalwork and ceramics. There is a grandeur, elegance and restrained luxuriousness shared by the very best examples.”
– Nicholas Shaw
World-leading research
Arthur Millner is especially revered for his groundbreaking books, Damascus Tiles and Indian Tiles.
“Tiles are such a strong element of Islamic architecture, contributing so strikingly to the impact it makes, yet I discovered that the vibrant ceramic tiles of Syria had been overlooked by art history. My aim was to put that right.”
- Arthur Millner
The market for Islamic art
In this complex market, new museums of the Arab world are paying high prices for the very best objects while the middle market offers a wonderful range of objects in distinctive styles, colours and designs for which there are enthusiastic collectors and dealers in the U.S., Europe and here in the UK.
“I’ve bought two or three rare 16th century Islamic tiles because Arthur is SO knowledgeable, it gives me confidence.”
- Private collector
FREE VALUATIONS
Auction valuations are provided free of charge.
Find out more
ADVICE ON SELLING OR BUYING
Let our world-class specialists get you the best results. Contact the Indian, Islamic, South East Asian and Himalayan Works of Art Department
indianandislamic@olympiaauctions.com
+44 (0)20 7806 5541
PAST AUCTIONS
See what we sell and prices fetched by looking at our past catalogues and videos.
