Tile from a mihrab, A.H. 722/132223 A.D.
Iran
Fritware, underglaze painted; 27 3/8 x 26 in. (69.5 x 66 cm)
Gift of William Mandel, 1983 (1983.345)
Iran
Fritware, underglaze painted; 27 3/8 x 26 in. (69.5 x 66 cm)
Gift of William Mandel, 1983 (1983.345)
This large tile, which includes the date written in Arabic numerals, is probably the top section of a three-tile mihrab, suggested by the shape of the pointed arch (09.87). A peculiarity of this tile is that the arch forms the upper frame of the mihrab instead of being contained within the rectangular shape. Underglaze-painted niches like this one are much less common than luster-painted examples.

















