Islamic Antiques
Islamic antiques boast incredible designs, intricate patterns, and beautiful colors. The changing range of Islam and the diverse cultural groups that have influenced Islamic art and architecture mean the objects included in the category “Islamic Antiques” is wide ranging. It includes scientific equipment like astrolabes, a type of tool that can be used to determine latitude or time given the other information. Although astrolabes originated in Ancient Greece, Islamic scientists in the Middle Ages modified and adjusted the designs to make astrolabes both more accurate and more useful. Often, these astrolabes were crafted in such a way that they were not only functional but also beautiful. Hanging lanterns are another example of Islamic metalwork. Islamic antique hanging lanterns are beautifully crafted featuring delicate sheets of metal punched with beautiful designs and often embellished with richly hued stones.
Islamic Art Paintings
Islamic art was not limited to metalwork. Islamic paintings and miniature paintings were created by highly skilled artisans employed by the wealthy. Middle Eastern art had bright colors, dynamic lines, and intricate details. The surface of Islamic antiques is usually filled with details belonging to one of four categories: calligraphy, vegetal patterns, geometric patterns, and figural representation. These tenets were key in Islamic art and decoration in general, and artisans often fully covered the art they were producing with design. The most common type of Islamic art is illuminated Koran/Qur’an pages. Because of the importance of the Islamic holy book, illuminated manuscripts were a bread-and-butter art form for Islamic artisans. The pages combined beautiful imagery with intricate calligraphy and were often so beautiful that they were removed from the book to be framed.
Islamic Ceramics
Islamic artisans also excelled in ceramics and pottery. Although originally most potters attempted to copy Chinese porcelain, Islamic ceramicists soon learned to create their own techniques and forms. One Muslim innovation is lusterware a type of pottery glaze that looks like burnished metal. Originating in the Middle East, the technique used to create lusterware pottery involved mixing metal oxides with pigment and then firing in a kiln with a lot of smoke and very little oxygen leaving the metal behind as a burnished glaze. Persian potters excelled beyond their peers creating vessels that were visually stunning. These Islamic antiques are highly collectible and beautiful.
Islamic Metalwork
Another Islamic antique that has retained high value is silver and gold coins. The metal within these coins makes them valuable regardless of their condition. Some coins in exceptional condition may have value beyond the scrap price. Coins of all kinds are of special interest to us!
As with most cultures, antique Islamic swords, arms, and armor can vary widely in decoration and quality. High quality Islamic swords are highly valuable and sought after by collectors. If you have another kind of sword, we are interested in those as well! Tribal and traditional Islamic antique jewelry is also of special interest. It can range from earrings to necklaces in precious metals and stones. These pieces can be intricately crafted and visually stunning. We often buy these kinds of pieces in both our Colonie NY and Saratoga NY offices. If you have antique jewelry of any kind, make an appointment with us!
