Artdayme: The exhibition “Fashioning an Empire: Textiles from Safavid Iran” will run from October 23 to April 20, 2024 at the Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA).

“Fashioning an Empire: Textiles from Safavid Iran”, highlights the critical role silk played during the Safavid period (1501-1736 CE).

The exhibition is organised into four sections, starting with the establishment of the silk monopoly and state-funded manufacturing, which explores the production and technical components of textiles; the rise of Isfahan as an imperial capital; fashion and trends in Safavid society; and contemporary commissions created by local designers inspired by Safavid textiles.

The exhibition was conceived by and first presented at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Washington DC.