Persian Treasures

Turkey 16thC Glazed tiles, Isnik

4 November 2004 - 6 February 2005

about the exhibition	guided tours	admission charges
catalogue	talks & lectures	schools program
media release	Persian Culture Day	sponsors
view more images

about the exhibition

Persian Treasures is an exhibition of rare early Middle-Eastern ceramics, tiles and textiles showcasing the extraordinary wealth and splendour of the Art Gallery of South Australia’s Islamic art collection; now the single largest such collection in Australia.

This exhibition features works from Persia (now Iran) from the 9^thto the 20^th century as well as works from Turkey, Syria and Morocco, revealing the astonishing artistry of Muslim potters who achieved international fame during the brilliant medieval period of Islamic court culture.

Among the variety of vessels and tiles on display are the legendary golden lustre wares of Persia, made to imitate precious royal metals and said to have been inspired by the ancient alchemists’ search for gold. Also on display will be an elaborate late 19^th–20^th century Ottoman fireplace, and the spectacular Yakob ‘Polonaise’ Persian carpet from the 17th century; now one of the finest and most valuable carpets in any Australian collection.

This unique collection is a recent gift from one of the Gallery’s most generous benefactors, Dr William Bowmore OML AO OBE.

above: Turkey, 16th century, Glazed tiles, Isnik, underglaze decorated earthenware, 48.5 x 48.5 cm diameter; Gift of Mr William Bowmore AO OBE through the Art Gallery of South Australia Foundation 2003

Admission charges
$8	adult
$7	member
$5	concession
$5	students 16 and over
FREE	children under 16 years

	School groups FREE (Bookings essential) See EDUCATION section of this page for details

Guided Tours

Tours
Thursday at 1 pm and Saturday & Sunday at 3 pm
Meet at the entrance to the exhibition. Entry charges apply - see above

Private Tours
Get a group together of ten people or more and have your own private tour.
Telephone 8207 7075 or 8207 7035 to be put in touch with the Gallery Guide Booking Officer

Talks & lectures

Tuesday 9 November at 12.45 pm
Exhibition Floor Talk
James Bennett, Curator of Asian Art, speaks about the Yakob ‘Polonaise’ carpet c.1625–1630 and the 19^th–20^th century Ottoman fireplace on display in the exhibition in Gallery 24. Entry fees apply.

Tuesday 7 December at 12.45pm
Exhibition Floor Talk
Janet Worth, who has just completed post graduate research on the history and significance of the uniquely beautiful 14th century Persian bowl, decorated with fish, which is on display in the exhibition. Gallery 24. Entry fees apply.

Saturday 15 January 2005 at 2 pm
Free Public Lecture - CANCELLED
James Bennett, Curator of Asian Art and Curator of the Exhibition Persian Treasures: Islamic Ceramics from the William Bowmore Collection shares his knowledge and passion for the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Persia and the Islamic world with a lecture in the exhibition. Free entry to exhibition between 1.45 and 2.30 pm for visitors attending the lecture.

Tuesday 18 January 2005 at 12.45pm
Exhibition Floor Talk - - CANCELLED
James Bennett, Curator of Asian Art and Curator of the Exhibition Persian Treasures: Islamic Ceramics from the William Bowmore Collection, speaks about Tau-tau, an ancestral sculpture from the Indonesian islands. Gallery 20. Entry fees apply.

Members events

Tuesday 9 November and Wednesday 17 November 10.30 am
Philip Hart at the Jam Factory
Philip Hart, Studio Manager of the Ceramics Studio at the Jam Factory, gives a guided tour of the ceramics facility. Philip will then present an illustrated talk on ceramic decoration with particular reference to the Islamic decoration featured in the exhibition Persian Treasures: Islamic ceramics from the William Bowmore Collection. Special Members discount on Jam Factory items will be available on the day.
$15, Members $12
Bookings: call Yvonne on 8207 7050

Wednesday 12 January 11 am - 12.30 am
Persian Calligraphy
A hands on session with tutor, Humayun Agdari. Materials provided.
$25, Members $20
Bookings: call Yvonne on 8207 7050

Persian Culture Day

Sunday 28 November, 12 noon - 3 pm
In conjunction with the exhibition Persian Treasures: Islamic Ceramics from the William Bowmore Collection visit the Gallery for a special day of talks, live music, poetry, food and dance to celebrate the timeless beauty of Islamic Art. Kids…decorate your own festive card and see the exhibition with mum and dad at the special family entry price ($10). For more information telephone Megan 8207 7005.

Schools Program

Teacher Briefing
Monday 8 November 4.30 – 6 pm
Numbers limited. Bookings required: Telephone 8207 7033

Education Pack
click here for a .pdf of the Persian Treasures Education Kit
click here for a Layout map of the Persian Treasures exhibition
click here for exhibition web page and selected images

Interpretative sessions
Education Officer & Education Guides (30 minutes)
Bookings essential: telephone 8207 7033, fax 82077 070

Admission (school groups only)
$20 per class size group. Free admission: country schools, DECS category 1-4 & AISSA listed disadvantaged schools

For more information on EDUCATION SERVICES at the Art Gallery of South Australia, visit the AGSA Education Section of this website

To see what other events and activities are on at the Gallery,
click here to go to the Calendar of Events

Catalogue

An full colour illustrated book complements the exhibition and is available from the Gallery Bookshop at the very reasonable price of $16.95.

Remember, Members of the Gallery - both Foundation and Friends, full-time students and school orders receive a 10% discount on all items not marked nett.) The Bookshop is open from 10 am until 4.45 pm every day except Christmas Day.

For more information about the Gallery Bookshop, click here or telephone: (08) 8207 7029 Fax (08) 8207 7069