11th-17th centuries Islamic textiles at Saint Louis Art Museum

Saint Louis Art Museum will host an exhibition “Patterns of Luxury: Islamic Textiles, 11th–17th Centuries” from 13 June 2025 through 4 January 2026.

The upcoming exhibition presents an opportunity to view Islamic textiles from the museum’s collection, many of which have not been exhibited in decades—or ever. The exhibition includes works from across Africa, Europe, and Asia, showing the diversity of Islamic textile traditions.

On display are examples from Fatimid and Ottoman Egypt, Nasrid Spain, Ottoman Turkey, Safavid Persia, and Mughal India. Highlights include tiraz fragments from Fatimid Egypt, woven silk textiles from Islamic Spain, and stylized floral patterns reflecting the artistry of several Islamic cultures. Also featured are carpet fragments and rugs collected by James F. Ballard, a St. Louis collector whose holdings are shared by the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Persian 17th century; silk cut voided velvet weave — Persian “Textile Pieced with Two Panels with Design of Columns of Flowers,” 17th century; silk cut voided velvet weave with satin weave foundation and silver and gilt thread brocading wefts; 23 x 26 3/16 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase 56:1919

Spanish early 15th century; silk, lampas weave — Spanish; “Panel with Design of Bands of Arabic Inscriptions in Thuluth Script Alternating with Geometric Motifs,” early 15th century; silk, lampas weave; 37 1/2 x 14 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Gift of Estate of H.A. Elsberg 55:1939

Spanish late 14th century; brocaded silk — Spanish; “Curtain Panel with Design of Horizontal Bands of Geometric Patterns and Arabic Inscriptions in Kufic Script,” late 14th century; brocaded silk; 40 5/8 x 14 5/8 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase 52:1939

Indian twill-weave silk brocaded with metallic threads — Indian; “Length of Fabric with Design of Poppies,” late 17th century; twill-weave silk brocaded with metallic (silver-foilwrapped) threads; 23 1/2 x 28 1/2 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase 145:1953

The exhibition is curated by Philip Hu, curator of Asian art, and will be on view in the Carolyn C. and William A. McDonnell Gallery 100. Admission is free.

Location and more information: Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.