2: A Fragment of Rich, Red Silk

How did this exquisite piece of silk come to be made? Safavid textiles are among the most sophisticated and complex textiles ever produced. Rich colours, intricate figures, shimmering surfaces… silk production was coveted in Safavid Iran during the late 1600s. 

‘Fashioning an Empire’ is by the Museum of Islamic Art, and produced by Kerning Cultures Network. 

Thank you to our partners, Qatar Museums, and M7. The Fashioning an Empire exhibition runs 23 October, 2023 - 20 April, 2024 at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. 

This series is produced by Al Shaibani and edited by Hebah Fisher, with sound design by Mohamad Khreizat. 

Thank you to Massumeh Farhad, the original curator of this exhibition at the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. for talking to us for this episode, and to Nicoletta Fazio and Dr Julia Gonnella for their guidance. 

Follow us @MIAQatar on Instagram to learn more about this exhibit.