By Christiane Gruber and Ashley Dimmig

Year of publication: 2014

This catalogue of a Kelsey Museum of Archaeology exhibition showcases a selection of Islamic art works held in the University of Michigan's collections. Rather than arranged chronologically, geographically, or by media, the objects are organized thematically and conceptually. Themes include the intersections between function and decoration, the aesthetic power of everyday objects, visual play, wit, and magic, connections and interrelationships across art forms, and light symbolism and illumination. The volume not only highlights the strengths of the university's collections of Islamic art but also explores various issues integral to the conception and production of art in the Islamic world from the medieval period until the present day.

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Pearls of Wisdom: The Arts of Islam at the University of Michigan
Kelsey Museum Publication 10
Ann Arbor: Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-990-66230-3
Pp. 128, 143 color illustrations
Paperback, 8" x 8"
$22.95