Hunt for Paradise—Court Arts of Safavid Iran 1501-1576

This lavish catalogue documents the most opulent period of later Persian history through over one hundred twenty five superlative works of art from public and private collections in Europe, North America and Asia, including Iran. The volume, which examines pieces chosen for their exceptional quality and historical importance, includes works in all media-carpets, paintings, metalwork, ceramics, lacquer and hardstones. Hunt for Paradise is the first exhibition catalogue to bring together these treasures from many countries in order to present a unique and comprehensive picture of the art of the Safavid court. This serious and original contribution to the study of Persian art and culture is of the highest quality and includes critical text by leading specialists in the field.

James Allan is a professor in the department of Eastern art, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.

Sheila Canby is a curator in the department of Oriental antiquities at the British Museum.

Jon Thompson is a textile specialist.