Islamic art about food

Food not only satisfies hunger, but stands for well-being, community and also luxury. In human cultures around the world, eating together is of essential importance and strengthens the bond between participants. It is not for nothing that state banquets are still important. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is now devoting itself specifically to Islamic cultures. Around 250 selected works of art from 30 public and private collections provide an introduction to the tradition of eating: What ingredients are used, how it is cooked, served and consumed. The exhibition Dining With the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting runs from December 17, 2023 to August 4, 2024.

The show offers a wealth of background information specifically on the culture of Islamic courts. Luxury objects were particularly important in the presentation of food: expensive tableware impressed the guests just as much or perhaps more than the opulent feasts. In addition, taste recognition at court was a special task.