Shah 'Abbas: The Remaking of Iran
London: The British Museum Press, 2009. Softcover. Black & color illus. wraps, French flaps, 274 pp., color illus. VG. Item #152760
ISBN: 9780714124520
Issued in conjunction with a 2009 exhibition that "brings together an amazing array of treasures, including gifts to Iran's shrines during Shah 'Abbas's reign. It traces the story of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1722), a period of dynamic religious and political development in Iran. Art and architecture flourished and achieved new heights of beauty and brilliance with the enhancement of the magnificent shrines at Ardabil, Mashhad and Qum. During this so-called 'Golden Age of Persian ar't, Shah 'Abbas renovated these shrines and donated to them priceless works of art including sumptuous carpets, silks, porcelain and albums, many of which are illustrated here in glorious detail. He also created the new capital at Isfahan -- his crowning artistic achievement -- where he rebuilt his empire surrounded by an inner circle of great artists and thinkers. From here he encouraged foreigners to come to Iran and welcomed the opportunity to open up trading links with Europe. This fascinating book looks in detail at this turning-point in Iran's history. It investigates the context of Shah 'Abbas's gifts and renovations; it also explores how these shrines functioned in the early seventeenth century and the ways in which practices and beliefs initiated under the Safavids are reflected in the world-famous shrines at Mashhad and Qum today." (flap) The annotated and illustrated catalogue presents 127 items. Lavishly illustrated.
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