Esin AtilRezensionen

Islamic art from Spain to India

A sumptuous book. Documents a collection of Islamic art assembled by members of Kuwait's ruling family. Some amazing pieces, including an implement that has a folding two-prong fork on one end and a folding spoon bowl on the other from Persia. Fortunately the collection was on tour when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq (after the book was published).½

Kalila wa Dimna, a collection of very popular animal tales - known in the West through Les Fables of La Fontaine - originated in 4th-century India. Written for the edification and amusement of princes and magistrates, they were second in popularity only to the Koran. The witty dialogue of the animal characters, led by two scheming jackal brothers called Kalila and Dimna, reveal a Machiavellian code of behavior and mirror a real world of intrigue, diplomacy, and statecraft. A number of illustrated versions exist from several different centuries and cultures.

These lovely stories are lavishly illustrated with photos from the original manuscript's illuminations.½