MIHO MUSEUM Shangri-La vol.11

2003 Spring Special Exhibition
Islamic Decorative Designs of Egypt:
Aesthetics Found in Daily Life
Bouvier Collection

THIS EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS the elaborate openwork designs of water filters for unglazed jars that were used in Egypt. The attention given to these charming motifs is somewhat reminiscent of the decorative under-kimono collar and crimson kimono lining. More than the gorgeous kimono or sash, the ever so slightly visible under collar or kimono lining reveals the wearer’s tastes. The suggestive color coordination, the subtle woven design, and the cloth’s luster express the same sensibility to detail as that of the decorative Egyptian water filters. Most of these unglazed filters in white or red earthen tones have simple designs of flower petals, stars, fishes, elephants, camels, wide-eyed children looking up, or delicate geometric patterns of checkers, concentric circles, and ropes. However, depictions of plants and animals in Islamic belief were formally not allowed in paintings and carvings; the idea being that creation is an act of God, which mere mortals should not imitate. Hence, abstract arabesques and geometric patterns appear prominently on mosques, while rarely do we see concrete representations of flowers, animals, or human figures. In people’s private lives such charming and playful designs may have been perhaps difficult to prohibit. These water filters with beautiful openwork designs of animals and plants give insight to the aesthetic senses of this ancient civilization.

While introducing these everyday objects, this exhibition also offers a look into the everyday life of the people in medieval Islamic cities, such as Fustat, who lived in a rich array of colors and motifs. Exquisite crimson carpets, colorful ceramic ware and glassware, elaborate carved wood, and painted ceilings and walls filled their lives. The effect of wind and light also played an important role in creating spatial ambience. Drawing rooms were elaborately


planned to keep out the harsh rays of the sun, while letting in light and wind. Skylights on ceilings brought in natural light from above, and finely latticed shutters blocked heat, while letting in cool breezes. Attention was given to every detail—stained glass covered lattices, table legs were carved with openwork and inlaid with lamps, which glowed in the evening, and cool fountains, surrounded by marble mosaics, adorned the middle of large rooms. The craftsmanship of the water filters added another touch of pleasure to this ornate environment. Water was valuable in the intense heat of the Middle East, thus even its containers were given significance. Water was filtered several times and stored in small, unglazed jars, which were placed on windowsills to cool naturally by the latent heat of vaporization. In this exhibition, 160 filters and fourteen Coptic textiles from the renowned Collection Bouvier are shown in Japan for the first time. The galleries are also arranged to give a sense of the early lifestyle of a medieval Islamic city. Enjoy the exotic flavor of Egypt and fill your senses with the exquisite motifs of the water filters, ceramic ware, and textiles presented in this spring exhibition.