Videos

The extraordinary work of the Baba Naqqash — ‘master artisan’ — in Ottoman ceramic ateliers, becomes this episode’s centerpiece. Popular among Ottoman elites, the ceramicist’s mastery in composing and balancing materials to bring the flowers and tendrils to life makes for the hallmark of this line of work. 

This episode focuses on one of the many architectural models at the Architecture Gallery, the unique Dar al-Islam Mosque in the United States of America, designed by renowned Egyptian architect, Hassan Fathy. 

This episode unravels the fascination of animals as a popular subject in Mughal miniature painting. Mounted on a decorative album made for the famed Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, the painting itself is attributed to one of the most important Indian miniaturists of the 18th century, Mihr Chand. 

This episode delves into this regal, life-sized portraiture of the Qajar Crown Prince, ‘Abbas Mirza, and the visual importance of the insignias he is depicted as wearing.

This episode unpacks the rich elements included in this painting, including the vast array of objects — including rare vases and caskets — as illustrated by the Austrian painter, Rudolf Ernst.