Exploring the poetic dialogue between Western and Islamic art traditions, Poetry of Birds at L’ÉCOLE Middle East brings together exquisite works of jewelry and Middle Eastern artistry.

L’ÉCOLE School of Jewelry Arts - Middle East supported by Van Cleef & Arpels will host Poetry of Birds, an exhibition devoted to the symbolism of birds in art and design. Following previous editions in Paris and Tokyo, L’ÉCOLE in Dubai will offer a different perspective, focusing on the dialogue between 19th- and 20th-century Western jewelry and Islamic arts, with poetry as the common thread.

The exhibition brings together exceptional jewels, precious objects and gouaché drawings depicting birds from the most renowned jewelers such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Buccellati, Falize, Fabergé, Boivin, Marchak, JAR and more will be showcased alongside a selection of Middle Eastern works of art, notably on loan from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and Dubai Museums including carpets, ceramics, metalware and miniatures.

Freely inspired by Farid al-Din Attar’s Conference of the Birds (circa 1117), the exhibition unfolds as a poetic journey, beginning with verses by Ahmed Chawqi (1868–1932), followed by a tribute to falcons through the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The experience culminates in contemplation of Pierre Sterlé’s extraordinary aviary of imaginary birds, created by the French jeweller between 1905 and 1978.

Contemporary photography by Faisal al-Rais will also be on display, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and depth of meaning in birds’ representations in both the Middle East and the West.

About L’ÉCOLE School of Jewelry Arts - Middle East:

Founded in 2012 in Paris with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, promotes jewelry culture through an exclusive program focused on savoir-faire, the history of jewelry, and the world of gemstones. With permanent locations in Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Dubai, L’ÉCOLE offers courses, conferences, exhibitions, publications, and research projects, while also hosting traveling events worldwide. L’ÉCOLE Middle East, located in d3, is part of a dynamic global creative hub where talent, businesses, and entrepreneurs connect, create and inspire.