This is the catalogue of an exhibit of the same name held at the Musee d'Art et d'Histoire, Geneva, in 1985. It includes special contributions by many of the leading experts in Islamic art and cultural objects, including
Oleg Grabar (Introduction), A. S. Melikian-Chirvani (The Aesthetics of Islam), Stuart Cary Welch (Private Collectors and Islamic Arts of the Book; The Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp; The Falnameh of Shah Tahmasp), Anthony Welch (The Arts of the Book: The Arab Lands; Iran Afghanistan and Central Asia; The World History of Rashid al-Din; Turkey; India), B. W. Robinson (Lacquer, Oil-paintings and Later Arts of the Book), Oliver Watson (Ceramics), James W. Allan (metalwork), David Alexander and Howard Ricketts (Arms and Armour), Donald King (Carpets and Textiles), Marilyn Jenkins (Architectural Ornament and Decorative Arts), Michael L. Bates and Robert E. Darley-Doran (The Art of Islamic Coinage). The exhibit included pages from early Qur'ans; a variety of narrative, portrait and scientific miniature paintings; a crystal seal; calligraphic pages; Qajar lacquerwork and oil paintings;ceramic bowls, dishes, tiles, vases, ewers; metalwork of every sort; swords, daggers, and armor; Mamluk, Caucasian, Turkish, Persian, and Central Asian carpets; architectural forms; jewelry, and even a pair of doors. There are 199 Islamic coins and medallions, each one illustrated actual size. Among all these are some of the finest examples of Islamic art in private hands.

Michael L. Bates, Ph.D.
Curator Emeritus of Islamic Coins
The American Numismatic Society