The Crusades are sometimes depicted as a period of incessant warfare between Christians and Muslims. However, across the 12th and 13th centuries, there were long periods of relative peace when trade flourished and artistic styles were exchanged. This selection of objects provides evidence of that trade and demonstrates some of the ways in which Muslim and Christian craftsmen were influenced by each other’s artistic traditions.
An incense burner
Some figures hold Christian symbols; made in Mosul or Damascus; AD 1200s.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=239122&partId=1&searchText=saladin&images=true&page=1A pilgrim bottle
The seated figures are in Islamic style; the riders are in Christian; style from Syria; AD 1330 – 50.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?partid=1&assetid=37579&objectid=239363The Hedwig beaker
Decorated with Christian symbols, but made by a Muslim glassmaker; made in Syria or Muslim Sicily; AD 1100s.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=217275&partId=1The Borradaile Oliphant
Horn with Islamic oaverll design, but figures in European style; from southern Italy; AD 1100s.
See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/the-borradaile-oliphant/rgFjLkWaKdj9rQStone column capital
Perhaps from Saladin’s building works after his victory over the Crusaders. Notice the similarities to European Corinthian column capitals from Jerusalem; late AD 1100s.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=234626&partId=1&images=true&museumno=1903,0220.4&page=1