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Tile with Niche Design

dated 712 AH/1312–13 CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 455
Evoking an architectural mihrab niche, the design of this tile includes columns topped by a multilobed arch. The vigorous calligraphic inscriptions that surround and fill the interior of the "niche" comprise an evocation to the Chahar‑dah Ma'sum (Fourteen Infallibles)—naming the twelve Shi'i Imams and the family of the Prophet Muhammad. The date of this tile places it within the reign of the Ilkhanid ruler Sultan Uljaitu, who was known to have embraced Shi'i Islam.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Tile with Niche Design
  • Date: dated 712 AH/1312–13 CE
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, Sultanabad
  • Medium: Stonepaste; molded and monochrome glazed
  • Dimensions: H. 33 1/2 in. (85.1cm)
    W. 20 in. (50.8 cm)
    D. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
    Wt. 74 lbs. (33.6 kg)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Tiles
  • Credit Line: Gift of V. Everit Macy, 1925
  • Object Number: 25.93
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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late 12th–early 13th century
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dated 755 AH/1354–55 CE
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dated 612 AH/1215–16 CE
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