Crescent Moon

Today I went to the Crescent Moon exhibition at the AGSA. I was expecting it to be good and it exceeded my expectations. The subtitle Islamic Art and Civilisation in South East Asia is a succinct summary of the content. The exhibition includes many examples of other traditions and cultures which influenced (or were influenced by) Islamic art and culture, such as fabrics and designs from India and China, aboriginal art depicting the Makassan traders who visited the north of Australia for centuries, and European china plates. One of many exhibits which remains in my mind's eye is a ceremonial umbrella made (with a generous supply of gold thread) in Rajasthan and exported to South East Asia.

The exhibition finishes its Adelaide season this weekend but is moving to Canberra from late February to March. For further details see here. If you can't get there the sumptuously produced guide is worth a look (or borrowing, or buying if you can afford $80).