"Gardens of Paradise: The Language of Flowers in Iznik Ceramics"

The National Museum inaugurated at the Splendours of Islam Gallery on Wednesday, 15 December 2021, “Gardens of Paradise: The Language of Flowers in Iznic Ceramics” exhibition in cooperation with the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The inauguration was under the patronage of Her Highness Dr. Mona bint Fahd al-Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University for International Cooperation and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum. Manuel Rabaté, Director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, attended the inauguration ceremony and a number of specialists from the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, in addition to a number their Highnesses and Excellences in the Sultanate of Oman, a number of ambassadors of the Arab Gulf countries accredited to the Sultanate of Oman and a number of people interested in cultural and museum affairs, Within the joint cooperation between the National Museum and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum.

The exhibition aims to shed light on the art of Iznik ceramics decorated with flowers and the special symbols it embodies related to evoking Qur’anic descriptions that recall the gardens of Paradise. The exhibition will continue for a whole year (from December 15, 2021 until December 1, 2022).

The exhibition is abounding with selected collections of Iznik Ceramic decorated with flowers that were naturally depicted on artworks, as Ottoman art in general and ceramic arts in particular passed a turning point in the 16th century. The skilled craftsmen and potters enriched their visual repertoire to include artistic representation For the harmonious flowers of roses, birch, carnations, and tulips, this pattern of the "four flowers" departs from the previous geometric patterns, and focuses on depicting the types of flowers that were growing at that time in the gardens of Istanbul.

Some flowers also had a special symbolic significance, such as the tulip, whose Turkish name is (Lalah). The shape of the flower when opened, appears to draw the word “Allah”, as for the rose, it is only associated in our minds with the name of the Messenger of God, Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and by recalling the Qur’anic descriptions that mention the Gardens of Paradise, and this is an invitation to the visitor to contemplate the meanings of flowers and their connection to Paradise.

His Excellency Jamal bin Hassan al-Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, said: "The National Museum is honoured to host in an exhibition from the Louvre Abu Dhabi titled: "Gardens of Paradise: The Language of Flowers in Iznik Ceramics", an embodiment of the bilateral cooperation, which was established in 2017, when a number of Omani museum artefacts were loaned to be displayed in the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, to introduce visitors to the civilisation of the land of frankincense and the civilised role of Oman on the Maritime Silk Road.

“We are excited to lend six 16th-century Iznik ceramics from the museum’s collection to The National Museum of Oman for the first time in the region. It is an integral part of our mission to make our permanent collection accessible to the widest possible audience and to ensure the further development of our ongoing partnership.” Manuel Rabaté, Director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum said.

Iznik is a small city in Turkey in the Marmara Plain that was known during the Byzantine era as "Nicaea", about 90 km from Istanbul. The city is famous for its ceramics industry, as it considered one of the greatest centres of the Ottoman ceramics industries in Turkey. The decoration of pottery with roses and flowers comes as a kind of evoking the bliss that God will bestow upon Muslims in the Gardens of Paradise, and in which they will encounter what is more beautiful than these worldly flowers.

The cooperation between the National Museum in the Sultanate of Oman and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum started in the year 2017 following the signing of an agreement to lend Omani museum artefacts of various historical dimensions represented in the historical treasure of al-Qubbah, which includes more than 400 silver dirhams dating back to the early Islamic eras, and a shell incense burner carrying frankincense petrified. This cooperation was in support of the objectives of the National Museum that were drawn up since its establishment, including participating in highlighting the cultural and historical heritage of Oman at the regional and international levels, with the aim of reaching a wide segment of the public, and strengthening the bonds of museum cooperations with leading international museums, in a manner that achieves the advancement of the name of Oman.

The National Museum is the Oman’s flagship cultural institution, showcasing the Sultanate’s cultural heritage from the earliest evidence of human settlement in the Omani Peninsula to present day through which we look forward to our promising future. The Museum was established by Royal Decree 62/2013, issued on 16 Muharram 1435 AH (corresponding to 20 November 2013), as a legal entity with financial and administrative independence and the capacity to own, manage and dispose of tangible and intangible assets of Oman`s cultural heritage, in line with internationally recognized experiences and standards in classifying ancient museums. The Museum aims to achieve its educational, cultural and humanitarian mission by consolidating noble Omani values, activating belonging, and raising public awareness among citizens, residents and visitors about Oman, its history, heritage and culture, and by developing their creative and intellectual abilities, especially in the areas of preserving evidence, collectibles, and highlighting the cultural dimensions of Oman, and by employing and adopting the best practices and standards in the field of museum sciences.

Created by an exceptional agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France, Louvre Abu Dhabi was designed by Jean Nouvel and opened on Saadiyat Island in November 2017. The museum is inspired by traditional Islamic architecture and its monumental dome creates a rain of light effect and a unique social space that brings people together. Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrates the universal creativity of mankind and invites audiences to see humanity in a new light. Through its innovative curatorial approach, the museum focuses on building understanding across cultures: through stories of human creativity that transcend civilisations, geographies and times. The museum’s growing collection is unparalleled in the region and spans thousands of years of human history, including prehistoric tools, artefacts, religious texts, iconic paintings and contemporary artworks. The permanent collection is supplemented by rotating loans from 13 French partner institutions, regional and international museums. Louvre Abu Dhabi is a testing ground for new ideas in a globalised world and champions new generations of cultural leaders. Its international exhibitions, programming and Children’s Museum are inclusive platforms that connect communities and offer enjoyment for all.