LACMA's 'Dining with the Sultan' Explores Islamic Art Through Culinary Traditions

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is showcasing 'Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting,' marking the inaugural exhibition to explore Islamic art through the lens of culinary traditions. This exhibition includes approximately 250 pieces sourced from 30 collections in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, tracing the evolution of gourmet culture to ninth-century Baghdad. Highlights include recipe manuscripts, dining attire, crockery, and luxurious tableware. A key feature is LACMA's 18th-century reception room from Damascus, displayed for the first time in the U.S. after ten years of restoration. Curated by Linda Komaroff, the exhibition is complemented by a related show at Charles White Elementary School, co-curated by Sandra Williams and Shadi Shafiei, from January 20 to August 10, 2024, showcasing 60 pieces from LACMA's Islamic art collection.