Absolute Happiness and Bliss: The Ceramics of Susa Exhibition at BNU Strasbourg

This exhibition showcases a selection of fifty ceramic objects discovered during archaeological excavations in Susa, Iran, ranging from the 7th to the 15th centuries. Through these pieces, visitors explore the technical diversity and artistic inventiveness that characterized artisanal production in this vibrant medieval frontier between Persia and the Arab world.

From the conquest by the armies of Caliph Umar around 650 to the decline of the Timurid dynasty in the 15th century, the site of Susa in the Iranian province of Khuzistan served as a thriving and economically dynamic center. A key aspect of this prosperity was the high-quality craftsmanship produced by local artisans. This thematic exhibition, installed in the library's accessible reserve, invites visitors to examine the evolution of taste and social customs in this historically significant crossroad. The featured collection includes approximately fifty objects unearthed at Susa and currently held by the Department of Islamic Art at the Louvre Museum. These ceramics offer a unique perspective on medieval life, highlighting the technical and aesthetic sophistication of the era through diverse glazing techniques and decorative motifs. The exhibition provides insight into how Susa served as a melting pot for imported models and original creative expression during the medieval period.

The exhibition requires a ticket priced at 4€. Visitors are encouraged to book guided tours in advance through the official library ticketing portal; sessions typically last between 45 minutes to one hour. Concessions are available for specific groups, including those under 16, job seekers, and holders of the Museums-PASS-Musées, upon presentation of valid proof of eligibility. Participants should report to the library reception on the second floor ten minutes before the scheduled start time, as the visit takes place in the reserves where coats and bags must be stored in the cloakroom.