Islamic
This gallery showcases objects produced in the Mughal and Colonial period of Islamic artistic significance. The objects are particularly representative of the Arts and Crafts movement in the Indian subcontinent. The gallery exhibits Muslim period metal work using a variety of techniques like damascene (koftgari), chasing, engraving, cloisonné, filigree, Bidri work (originated in the city of Bidr, India and denotes the surface ornamentation of one metal through the application of one or more metals) and enamel work (minakari).
Highlights from this collection include two remarkable specimens of stone inscriptions from Lahore’s Masjid Kharasian and from the tomb of Hazrat Mian Mir, a famous sufi saint. This gallery also presents two astrolabes, both made in Lahore, one in 1640 A.D. and the other in 1841 A.D. Painted and lacquered papier mache objects, wood carvings and paintings, smoking pipes and walking sticks, arms and armour, glazed and mosaic tiles, stone and wood carving, mirror mosaic work, and musical instruments. A large carpet manufactured in Lahore during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (17th century) is placed at the centre of the gallery on a platform.
Also presented in this gallery are large scale calligraphies by Sadequain. Verses of Quranic text, the Surah Yasin hang along the top of showcases in this gallery and running over a length of 269 feet.