Neither East Nor West

This lavish and informative book explores the great diversity and range of Islamic culture through one of the finest collections in the world. Published to coincide with the historic reopening of the galleries of the Metropolitan Museum's Islamic Art Department, it presents nearly three hundred masterworks created in the rich tradition of the Islamic faith and culture. The Metropolitan's renowned holdings range chronologically from the origins of Islam in the 7th century through the 19th century, and geographically from as far west as Spain to as far east as Southeast Asia. A wide variety of media is also represented: miniature paintings and illuminated manuscripts, ceramics, textiles, carpets, glass, and metalwork. While some of the highlighted objects were originally intended solely for use during worship, others - created as domestic and luxury objects - reflect the mutual influence of artistic practice in the sacred and secular realms. Many display the rich traditions of calligraphy, arabesque, and geometric patterning that distinguish the arts of the Islamic world. With seven informative essays and almost three hundred illustrated catalogue entries - supplemented by a history of the collection, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index - this comprehensive overview engages both the general reader and the specialist.