A major showcase of contemporary craftsmanship from across the Islamic world has concluded at Sotheby’s London, following a successful run that highlighted the work of master artisans supported by Turquoise Mountain and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).
Patterns of Faith: Living Traditions in Islamic Art, which opened on 24 October 2025 at Sotheby’s Bond Street, brought together a remarkable collection of handcrafted objects and architectural elements created by leading Afghan, Palestinian, Syrian, Jordanian and Saudi artisans. Developed in partnership with Turquoise Mountain, the exhibition offered London audiences a rare opportunity to view pieces originally commissioned for Ithra’s permanent collection in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
The display spanned a wide range of techniques and traditions—painted and inlaid woodwork, glass-blowing, tile-making, calligraphy, carved stone and hand-woven carpets. Highlights included a finely crafted marquetry minbar, Qur’an stands and manuscripts, mosque lamps, a painted ‘ajami ceiling, carved doors and decorative arcading. Each piece reflected centuries-old artistic heritage while demonstrating contemporary creativity and innovation.
Many of the works were first created for Ithra’s major exhibitions exploring Islamic art as a living tradition, including Shatr Al Masjid: The Art of Orientation (2021), Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet (2022) and the ongoing In Praise of the Artisan (2024–2027).
The London presentation was accompanied by discussions and public events examining the role of heritage crafts today. It was also marked as part of Turquoise Mountain’s 20th-anniversary celebrations. As a charity, Turquoise Mountain reinvests all commission revenue to support artisans and sustain traditional craft industries.
Although the exhibition has now closed, all pieces remain available to commission directly from the artisans through Turquoise Mountain, continuing the exhibition’s mission to support living craft traditions across the Islamic world.
