In Praise of the Artisan

In a world marked by mass production, true craftsmanship is a testament to artistry, individuality and dedication. An honest craft takes a lifetime to master and is dutifully taught and passed down across generations. Every object crafted by hand carries a story, a connection between the maker and the user and speaks of the effort, commitment, and continuous learning involved in mastery. Ithra’s exhibition, In Praise of the Artisan, pays homage to craftspeople both past and present and positions Islamic craft practices as “living traditions” that continue to add value and meaning today.

This exhibition brings together specially commissioned works by master artisans, along with historic pieces from the al-Sabah Collection at Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, Tareq Rajab Museum in Kuwait, and Ithra's collection. It showcases the evolution of Islamic crafts, focusing on renowned craft centers such as Makkah, Delhi, Istanbul, Cairo, Terengganu, Samarqand, Fez, and Granada. In addition to a diverse range of objects, the exhibit provides a unique insight into the lives and techniques of contemporary masters from these cities, portrayed through short audiovisual clips curated by the artists themselves.

Unique highlights of the exhibition include one of the largest hand carved jali marble screen made since the Taj Mahal, a very rare 19th century kiswa textile, an 18th century wooden interior from Damascus, some of the largest and most celebrated carpets from around the Muslim world, a mashrabiyya interior and an Alhambra vase.

Artisans have long held an important position within traditional Islamic society. The production of crafts was celebrated as early as the seventh century in Jerusalem and Damascus. Since then, Islamic crafts have developed from east to west, taking on new forms from other cultures, while remaining true to the essence of Islamic art philosophy. Craft traditions are now rightfully considered to be the greats of Islamic art, and are among the world’s most celebrated artistic achievements.

Skilled artisans focus on quality materials and precision techniques to create unique and durable pieces that not only enhance aesthetics but also preserve cultural heritage, promote sustainability, and support local economies.

In Praise of the Artisan exhibition will be held in Ithra’s Gallery 3 from November 2024 – December 2027.