Treasures of SOAS, Foyle Special Collections Gallery, Brunei Gallery
Objects of Instruction: Treasures of the School of Oriental and African Studies, at the Foyle Special Collections Gallery, Brunei Gallery, SOAS is a permanent display showcasing the remarkably rich collections held by SOAS, University of London.
The display includes a selection of material from the library’s collection of archives, manuscripts and rare books, alongside objects from the School's collection of art works and artefacts. The display includes material collected over nearly a hundred years specifically for the purpose of instruction and education.
Among this wealth of material on display are illustrated Islamic manuscripts, including a magnificent Mughal version of the Anvar-i Suhayli, a 16th century book of animal fables; Chinese and Japanese paintings and prints; varied ceramic objects from the Middle East and East Asia; decorative Buddhist manuscripts and sculptures from South-East Asia; contemporary African paintings and textiles; and important archaeological collections from East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.
The display aims to play a vital part in research, teaching and cultural engagement programmes at SOAS by providing a showcase of the School's unique archive, manuscript and rare book collections and the richness and multiplicity of Asian and African artistic traditions.
Detail, Husayn al-Waiz al-KashifI, Anvar-i Suhayli
