Full Description
Iran was home to some of the greatest civilizations of both the ancient and medieval worlds, but these achievements are now little known outside the country.
Epic Iran brings together 250 fascinating objects and images to cast a rare light on 5,000 years of history, showing how civilized life emerged in Iran around 3,200 BC, and how a distinctive Iranian identity, formed 2,500 years ago, has survived until today, expressed through artistic continuities, religious affiliations and the Persian language.
Lavishly illustrated, this magnificent and important book encompasses metalwork, ceramics, glass, illustrated manuscripts, textiles, carpets, oil paintings, drawings and photographs from collections around the world. It brings treasures from the ancient and Islamic worlds together with the work of contemporary artists and makers, demonstrating the rich legacy that still influences many modern-day practitioners.
Contents
1. Emerging Iran: Silent Treasures From the Dawn of History, 3200-550BC - John Curtis
2. The Persian Empire - John Curtis
3. Last of the Ancient Empires: The Iranian Renaissance - John Curtis
4. Change of Faith: The Advent of Islam - Tim Stanley
5. The Iranian Synthesis: An Identity Reborn - Tim Stanley
6. Literary Excellence - Tim Stanley
7. Royal Patronage - Tim Stanley
8. The Old and The New - Tim Stanley
9. Modern and Contemporary Iran - Ina Sarikhani Sandmann