The Keir Collection of Islamic Arts at the DMA Displays Intricacy and History at Its Best
By Najia Shuaib
Mar/Apr 25
Whether you’re here to visit some family and friends or just thinking about your next vacation and looking for something to do, look no further than The Keir Collection of Islamic Art, currently housed at the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) in Dallas, Texas. This display is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in Islamic art, history, heritage, or culture, bridging historical craftsmanship with accessible public viewing. This collection offers a rare glimpse into the global cultural legacy of Islamic art which is a pride of Muslims worldwide.
Visit the DMA with Free Admission
Though special exhibitions at the DMA may require a fee, the DMA’s free general admission allows the visitors to view all the collections housed within the museum’s permanent galleries including The Keir Collection.
When to Visit
Before planning your visit, check the museum’s website for special events or conservation-related closures. The DMA is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, with specific hours mentioned on its official website. The Keir Collection Gallery is conveniently located on the ground floor near the main entrance of the DMA.
Plan a Guided Tour
Visitors can also arrange guided tours to have a deeper insight into the collection. The intricate craftsmanship across the collection demonstrates Islamic civilizations’ cultural and technological advancements from various regions, including North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Spain.
The Keir Collection
The Keir Collection is one of the most significant private collections of Islamic art, encompassing nearly 2,000 artifacts that span over 1,300 years. It includes a wide range of objects such as rare Quranic manuscripts, ceramics, textiles, carpets, metalwork, and rock crystal artifacts. Some highlights include an extraordinary 10th–11th-century rock crystal ewer and a 16th-century folio from the Khamsa of Nizami. Distinguished Islamic art historian, author, illustrator, and curator Dr. Sabiha Al Khemir played a key role in bringing the Keir Collection to the DMA. The move was motivated by the museum’s commitment to creating a dedicated space for Islamic art and broadening public access to these works. This partnership between the Keir Foundation and the DMA also reflects the museum’s aim to promote multiculturalism and expand its international collection, making Dallas a significant hub for Islamic art in North America.
The Man Behind the Keir Collection
Edmund de Unger (1918–2011), a Hungarian-British art collector, was the man behind the Keir Collection. He had a passion for collecting oriental carpets. He pursued studies in England and became active in the real estate business. Through his financial success, he was able to focus on his lifelong interest in collecting.
He always viewed himself as a traditional private collector, acquiring art for personal enjoyment rather than investment. He named his collection “ Keir” after the name of his former home in Ham, London. After decades of displaying the Keir Collection in his home, he later arranged for some parts of it to be loaned to prestigious institutions such as the Museum für Islamische Kunst in Berlin. Following his passing in 2011, significant portions of the collection were transferred to Dallas, Texas, to be housed at the Dallas Museum of Art.
Why Dallas?
The decision to transfer the collection to the DMA in 2014 under a 15-year renewable loan agreement could be driven by several factors:
Enhanced Accessibility: Dallas offered a new geographical and cultural context to the Keir Collection, by increasing its visibility to diverse audiences. The state of Texas experienced remarkable growth in recent years, positioning itself as a prominent state and economic hub for the U.S. People from Hispanic, African American, Asian, Middle Eastern, German, Czech, Irish, and many other backgrounds make it the melting pot of multicultural influences.
Muslim Population: The Dallas Fort Worth region is home to one of the largest Muslim communities in Texas, with approximately 30,000 Muslims in Dallas and an additional 7,000 in surrounding areas like Fort Worth and Arlington, estimating around 421,972 Muslims statewide. In the Dallas area, the infrastructure supporting Islamic culture is robust. It includes numerous mosques, Islamic schools, and cultural institutions, such as the ICI, EPIC, IACC, ICF, Yaqeen, Qalam, and Roots which provide education and community services. This environment fosters a sense of cultural and religious identity and has made the city attractive for Muslim immigrants, contributing to the community’s expansion.
Dedicated Facilities: The DMA provided state-of-the-art conservation, storage, and display facilities, allowing the collection to be preserved and presented optimally.
Cultural Synergy: The DMA’s commitment to multiculturalism and fostering interfaith understanding made it an ideal custodian. This aligns with de Unger’s vision of making Islamic art a bridge between cultures.
Educational Opportunities: The collaboration between Dallas Universities and the DMA has provided a great platform for students to enhance their knowledge in the field of visual arts. The Keir Collection at the DMA has also invoked an immense appreciation of Islamic culture and history among art students and the general public alike. Rotating some 2000 artifacts at the gallery and giving free access contributes a great educational opportunity that in turn keeps De Unger’s legacy alive.
The Rock Crystal Ewer from the Keir Collection
The Rock Crystal Ewer is an extraordinary piece of early Islamic art, considered to be one of the finest examples of its kind. Crafted during the Fatimid period (10th-12th century), this ewer is one of only seven similar masterpieces worldwide. Its intricate design includes relief decorations of hunting cheetahs, symbolizing both artistic expertise and technical excellence. In the 19th century, the vessel was adorned with gold, silver-gilt, and enamel mounts by Jean-Valentin Morel, a notable French gold and silver smith often credited for the aptitude of his work.
The Fatimid rock crystal industry, centered in Egypt, utilized high-quality alluvial quartz deposits from places like Madagascar. The painstaking carving and polishing techniques required for these objects showcased unmatched craftsmanship and remain a subject of scholarly research today. The ewer’s combination of artistry and material rarity makes it a cornerstone of the Keir Collection and a highlight of the Dallas Museum of Art’s Islamic Art gallery, where it serves as a symbol of cultural and artistic legacy.
Quranic Manuscripts of Keir Collection
The Keir Collection includes an impressive array of Quranic manuscripts, numbering over 40 pieces. These span centuries and geographic regions, showcasing the artistic and calligraphic excellence of Islamic manuscript traditions. One of the finest pieces in the collection is a fragmentary Quranic manuscript attributed to the 10th century, created in North Africa or the Iberian Peninsula. Written in Kufic script on parchment, it demonstrates remarkable precision and artistry, characteristic of early Quranic calligraphy.
Additionally, the collection features significant works such as an illuminated Quran attributed to 16th-century Ottoman Turkey, known for its intricate floral and geometric decorations. These manuscripts represent the high cultural and artistic achievements of Islamic civilizations over time, making them key highlights of the Keir Collection.
Ownership of the Keir Collection remains with the de Unger family foundation, while the DMA acts as a custodian.
Najia Shuaib, an artist and an Islamic art enthusiast, explores the opportunity to engage with some of the finest Islamic artworks in the world at the Dallas Museum of Art.