The Art of the Muslim Knights: The Furusyya Art Foundation Collection

The Arab tradition of al-furusiyya is defined by principles of horsemanship, chivalry, and the mutual dependence of man and horse. This publication presents half of the Furusiyya Art Foundation’s entire collection, which includes Islamic art relating to the Muslim chevalier from the eighth, ninth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries. The collection includes a number of cane shields, archery material, armor for man and horse, sword pommels, guards and sabers, as well as daggers and belts carried by the courtly chevaliers. Describing the artistry and beauty of the antique pieces, the focus narrows in on the use of decoration and great craftsmanship, the technological innovations that were developed, as well as looking at the different cultures of the Islamic world.

Bashir Mohamed is consultant for the Furusiyya Art Foundation. He is the founder of the Islamic Department of Spink and Sons Ltd., acting as the buyer and Islamic art consultant until 1980.