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Tile from a squinch, second half of 14th century; Timurid
Samarqand, Uzbekistan
Earthenware, glazed; 12 1/8 x 8 5/8 in. (30.8 x 21.9 cm)
The Grinnell Collection, Bequest of William Milne Grinnell, 1920 (20.120.189)

Often called muqarnas, or "stalactite," in Arabic, these architectural elements were used to fill squinches to provide a satisfactory transition between a square room and its domed ceiling. Muqarnas, however, were also employed as simple decorative devices to enrich the appearance of soffits, cornices, capitals of columns, and interiors of domes.

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    • Tile from a squinch, second half of 14th century; Timurid
    Samarqand, Uzbekistan
    Earthenware, glazed; 12 1/8 x 8 5/8 in. (30.8 x 21.9 cm)
    The Grinnell Collection, Bequest of William Milne Grinnell, 1920 (20.120.189)