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1500 masterpieces of Islamic art on permanent loan

17.03.2010
Pergamonmuseum

Known around the world as the Keir Collection, Edmund de Unger's collection of Islamic art is set to enrich as a loan works belonging to the Museum of Islamic Art, currently on display in the Pergamonmuseum.

The Keir Collection comprises works from nearly all periods and artistic styles from the core Islamic countries around the Mediterranean, from Iran and Central Asia. Brocades and carpets, early medieval bronzes, exquisite rock crystal objects, priceless calligraphies, miniatures and elaborately adorned bookbindings all feature in the loan. One of its most striking attributes are its ceramics dating from all periods - one good reason alone for the world renown of this private collection.

Stefan Weber, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art, was keen to emphasise that: 'The Keir Collection seamlessly complements the objects already held in Berlin. Be they magnificent book paintings, intricate brocades or exquisite objects fashioned in medieval ceramic workshops, they all perfectly round off the encyclopaedic collection of the 105 year old museum itself.'

A representative selection of items from the collection will go on display from March 2010.