Inspired by the East: A new British Museum exhibition will show how the Islamic world influenced Western art

A hoard of eastern art never seen before in the UK is coming to the British Museum.

More than 70 objects, including paintings, clothing, ceramics and jewellery, have been borrowed from the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.

They include decorative Ottoman helmets and medals, alongside paintings by European artists.

They will go on show with treasures from the British Museum’s own collection in a show called Inspired By The East: How The Islamic World Influenced Western Art.

It will trace the rise of Orientalism, the name given to the western art movement which reached its height of popularity in the 19th century but is now often criticised for its romanticised view of the Middle East and North Africa.

Among the exhibits going on show are Edmund Dulac’s illustrations for a 1907 edition of Arabian Nights and ceramics by Frenchman Théodore Deck, who created work directly inspired by Islamic originals.

The exhibition will also include contemporary work by female artists, which aims to subvert some of the movement’s more contentious representations of the region.

Museum director Hartwig Fischer said: “This exhibition will highlight how extensive and enduring the cultural exchange between the West and the Islamic world has been.”

The show runs from October 10 until January next year when it will return to the Malaysian museum.

It is supported by Jack Ryan and sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank.