UMMA's vast collection is home to a variety of different types of objects which are apart of Islamic visual culture. In this collection, objects have been arranged into different resources by their materiality. Islamic art is quite difficult to define as the term can refer to art of any material from the period after the death of the prophet Muhammad to the present day. Additionally, Islam as a religion has spread across many countries and regions, therefore, placing Islamic art across the globe. It should also be noted that Islamic art does not only contain religious works but refers to regions where Islam was/is present. The works within UMMA's collection reflects this. Islamic art is such a rich visual culture to study because of the vast cultural exchange that has occurred across time and geography which has produced such diversity in the aesthetic and thematic qualities of their art.
Iranian Faramurz taken Prisoner, Shah-nameh of Ferdowski tempera on paper 5 9/16 in x 5 13/16 in (14.1 cm x 14.8 cm) Gift of Dr. Richard Ettinghausen presented in honor of Professor Oleg Grabar
Iranian Sikandar Goes on a Pilgrimage to the Kaaba, from the Shahnama of Firdausi ink, opaque watercolor, and gold leaf on paper 10 1/2 in. x 7 in. ( 26.7 cm x 17.8 cm ) Museum Purchase
Iranian Sikandar Builds a Barrier Against Yajuj and Majuj, from the Shahnama of Firdausi ink, opaque watercolor, and gold leaf on paper 10 1/2 in. x 7 in. ( 26.7 cm x 17.8 cm ) Museum Purchase
Moroccan Qur’an manuscript page ink and color on paper 13 in x 2 7/8 in (33 cm x 7.3 cm) Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Milton B. Freudenheim in memory of Otto F. Ege
Qur'an manuscript leaf, illuminated section heading in thuluth script ink, color and gold on paper 8 9/16 in x 5 3/8 in (21.8 cm x 13.7 cm) Gift of the Estate of Helen B. Hall
Iranian Zal Goes to Rudaba, from the Shahnama of Firdausi ink, opaque watercolor, and gold leaf on paper 10 7/16 in. x 6 15/16 in. ( 26.5 cm x 17.7 cm ) Museum Purchase
Iranian Gurgin Fights with Andariman, from the Shahnama of Firdausi ink, opaque watercolor, and gold leaf on paper 10 1/2 in. x 7 in. ( 26.7 cm x 17.8 cm ) Museum Purchase