Islamic Arts Museum - Malaysia

Today along with some new friends I visited the Islamic Arts Museum and was very impressed with the textiles in particular. It was built to foster a better understanding of Islam through the arts and it has done a beautiful job.

One floor is the architectural hall which has detailed miniatures of some of the world's most famous mosques. Then two floors of colourful treasures and some of the most intricate textiles, ceramics, manuscripts, artifacts and woodwork I have seen so I thought I would share a few of my favourite finds.

It is amazing to look closely at these pieces of work knowing most of it would be handmade, the detail is just incredible.

Some of the techniques used are batik [very traditional in Malaysia], embroidery, beading, sewing and incorporating gold threads to adorn clothes and other textiles.

Then there were the ceramic tiles, the floral motifs and the blue hues were gorgeous. They had sketches of how these patterns would have been drawn and hand painted on. Incredible works of art that show what is possible without machines and printers.

Hope you find these as inspirational as I do! I kept imagining these tiles in a kitchen.... or bathroom. I have a little collection started and am hoping to find some in Malaysia to add to it.

K x