Touring exhibition: Ottoman Art in an International Context

Exhibition available to hire

This exhibition takes a new look at the development of Ottoman art between the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and the 19th century. In the past attention has been paid to the export of Ottoman luxury goods to other parts of Europe, and to individual examples of outside influence on Ottoman production.

This exhibition will demonstrate how these outside contacts brought about change in Ottoman art in some periods, while at other times they were deliberately avoided, allowing locally sourced forms to flourish. The exhibition will display goldsmith’s work, textiles, manuscripts, woodwork and ceramics and tilework, and includes many items with fascinating histories.

Size: 900 m²
Available from 2015

For further information about hiring this exhibition please contact touringexhibitions@vam.ac.uk

Tile with a calligraphic design

Tile with a calligraphic design. Fritware painted under the glaze. Istanbul, dated 1727. V&A: 1756-1892 © V&A Images/ Victoria & Albert Museum

Tile-top table - side view

Tile-top table. Tile: fritware painted under the glaze; frame: walnut wood with marquetry of ebony, ivory and mother of pearl. Iznik and Istanbul, about 1560. V&A: C.19-1987 © V&A Images/ Victoria & Albert Museum

Tile-top table - top view

Tile-top table. Tile: fritware painted under the glaze; frame: walnut wood with marquetry of ebony, ivory and mother of pearl. Iznik and Istanbul, about 1560. V&A: C.19-1987 © V&A Images/ Victoria & Albert Museum

Silver-gilt ewer

Silver-gilt ewer. Silver, hammered, chased and gilded, with enamelled plaques. Istanbul, 1530–1550. V&A: M.21-1987 © V&A Images/ Victoria & Albert Museum

Gem-set jade tankard and lid

Gem-set jade tankard and lid. Nephrite jade inlaid with gold wire and set with rubies and emeralds in gold collars, with later gem-set gold mounts. Istanbul, 1550–1600 and about 1800. V&A: ME.5-2011 © V&A Images/ Victoria & Albert Museum

Large footed basin decorated in the Saz style

Large footed basin decorated in the Saz style. Fritware painted under the glaze. Iznik, 1545–1550. V&A: C.1979-1910. © V&A Images/ Victoria & Albert Museum

Lacquer pen box

Lacquer pen box. Pasteboard, painted in gold and colours under varnish and over gold and ‘aventurine’ (probably varnish and crushed iron pyrites) grounds. Edirne or Istanbul, signed by Nakshî of Edirne and dated 1747. V&A: 262-1896. © V&A Images/ Victoria & Albert Museum

Velvet cushion cover

Velvet cushion cover. Silk velvet, with areas brocaded with metal-wrapped thread. Bursa, 1650–1700. V&A: 4061-1856. © V&A Images/ Victoria & Albert Museum