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Portrait of Shah 'Abbas, watercolour of the Shah attributed to Bishn Das, Mughal India, c.1618 - © The Trustees of the British Museum
Shah 'Abbas, the Safavid ruler who unified a fragmented, fractious Iran at the turn of the sixteenth century, understood that a renovation of culture was essential for his political aims. He reinvented the ancient city of Isfahan as the new capital of his rule and rolled out a massive programme of cultural works, represented here by items quite as remarkable, delicate and sophisticated as one might expect. Incredible carpets, interwoven with threads of silver, are complemented by exquisite calligraphy and metalwork; an openwork 'alam (a religious standard brought out on holy days) is a particular treat, as are several beautifully painted scenes of dervishes and pilgrims. (FG)
Transport Holborn/Russell Square
020 7323 8000, bookings 08445 791940
Times 10am-5.30pm Sat-Wed; 10am-8.30pm Thur and Fri (selected galleries only, ring for details); closed Dec 24-26 & Jan 1; on Dec 31the galleries will close at 5.30pm, the Great Court at 6pm
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