Islamic Art Mounts Comeback at Renowned Dutch Fair

ICONIA | HOUSTON CHRONICLE
By Menachem Wecker

Amir Mohtashemi, a London based Indian and Islamic art dealer, stands in his booth. Credit: Menachem Wecker

NETHERLANDS --- Cultural pilgrims who trek to the Dutch city of Maastricht for the European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) every March can find many things. But although Buddhist and Hindu art aficionados can find stunning sculptures at dealers like Marcel Nies Oriental Art (booth 146) and Rossi and Rossi (stand 166); Christian art enthusiasts can salivate over the holdings of Jan Morsink Ikonen (stand 156), Les Enluminures (booth 274), and Moretti (stand 352); and even Jewish art lovers can examine medallions with Hebrew inscriptions at Tradart (booth 431), Islamic art is much more difficult to find. Sam Fogg, a London dealer who specializes in Christian and Islamic art, had left his Islamic wares at home last March, and the same was true this TEFAF. “There were some Middle Eastern buyers. I don’t think many. But they were buying for their London houses or their New York houses.” [link]