Shedding light on lamps from history

A new exhibition featuring ancient and rare lamps, especially Ramadan lamps, at Sheikh Faisal Museum showcases exquisite objects of lighting from ancient and medieval Islamic worlds. By Anand HollaLight unravels in charmingly mysterious ways when it pours through the choicest of lamps. The fascination only heightens when the lamps carry decades and centuries of history with them. A new exhibition featuring ancient and rare lamps, and objects of lighting, entitled From Darkness to Light, opened Thursday at the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim al-Thani Museum (FBQ Museum). The exhibition, which will run until August 29 at the Museum in Shahaniya and is open from 9am to 6pm, Sunday to Thursday, opened in the presence of Sheikh Khaled bin Faisal al-Thani, Anna Paolini, Director of Unesco Qatar and ambassadors to Qatar from the diplomatic community.Sheikh Faisal’s spectacular collection includes fine antique ceramic and ornate metal lamps, beautiful mosque lamps, candleholders, chandeliers and modern lamps from different parts of the ancient and medieval Islamic worlds and from other parts of Central Asia and Europe.Although the exhibition – part of Unesco International Year of the Light – highlights the tradition of using lamps specially made for Ramadan in Islamic societies, it elaborates on how lamps and other objects providing light offer the perfect balance between practicality and exquisite artistry. The primary function of lamps throughout history was to provide light and help people manage their lives at night. However, lamps were also used for different reasons such as rituals, other religious practices, and even for medical purposes. As for the tradition of using lamps specially made for Ramadan, there is a long historical and cultural background that will also be dealt with in this exhibition. For instance, candleholders and mosque lamps from the Islamic periods are also on display, some richly inscribed with writing and religious texts.In the exhibition, all the lamps and lighting objects are documented with their origins described. Some of the lamps and lanterns hail from the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century so that visitors can compare new techniques in lamp-making with those of ancient times.Sa’id Costa, Director of the FBQ Museum, in his statement, said, “We wanted to open this exhibition before Ramadan as the collection includes many beautiful lamps that were either made for Ramadan or used in ancient religious practices. Lamps have always been essential objects for the world and go back to time immemorial. Bringing the Museum’s range of stunning antique lamps, candleholders and chandeliers together for the exhibition allows visitors to focus on their early history and superb decorative artistry.” Costa added, “Candleholders and mosque lamps from the Islamic periods are also included, some richly inscribed with writing and religious texts. Others are stunningly decorated with different motifs and intricate patterns. We would strongly recommend the exhibition to families to come and view the lamps in Ramadan and learn about their history.”During Ramadan and every Friday, FBQ Museum will be hosting an Iftar followed by a tour of the ‘From Darkness to Light’ exhibition by the curator, and a tour of the Islamic Manuscripts section of the museum. At the end of the tour, which will last for about two hours, families can enjoy creative time with their children at the FBQ Museum’s education department, where a range of workshops will be held. Prior bookings for the same are essential. You can contact the museum for prices and availability on events@fbqmuseum.orgThe FBQ Museum is a non-profit private museum foundation, created by its patron Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, to house and manage his private art collection that has been donated accordingly.  The foundation is now responsible for its management and enhancement. The collection was accumulated over decades with a dedicated and enthusiastic passion for bringing together many diverse and precious artefacts that span several areas of interest and appeal to the public.  At its Shahaniya location open to the public since 1998, the Museum houses a generic and eclectic collection of antiquities, textiles and costumes, fine arts, ceramics, wood and metal crafts, manuscripts and calligraphy artwork as well as rare coins, jewellery, a natural history and geological collection, vintage cars and armoury. In 2010, the museum was selected by the Ministry of Art, Culture and Heritage as one of Qatar’s cultural landmarks as part of the ‘Qatar Capital of Culture’ activities.