Tile Panel

13th century

Not on view

These four tiles were once part of the decoration that framed the mihrab (prayer niche) of a religious building in Iran. The text is from the Qur'an, Chapter 48, verses 1–4 (sura "of Victory"). The gaps in the passage allow the hypothetical reconstruction of the position of the single tiles within the mihrab's frame. In addition to the fine floral scrolls and the details on the foliate elements, the birds seen here are characteristic of Kashan luster painting and, sometimes, are found in conjunction with prayer niches. Therefore, we should not be surprised to see them combined with a Qur'anic inscription.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Tile Panel
Date: 13th century
Geography: Made in Iran, Kashan
Medium: Stonepaste; molded and luster-painted
Dimensions: Overall: Ht. 14 3/16 in. (36 cm)
W. 55 in. (139.7 cm)
D. 1 9/16 in. (4 cm)
12.34.3a: Ht. 13 3/4 in. (35 cm)
W. 13 3/8 in. (34 cm)
D. 1 3/16 in. (3 cm)
12.34.3b: Ht. 13 3/4 in. (35 cm)
W. 13 9/16 in. (34.5 cm)
D. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)
12.34.3c: Ht. 13 3/4 in. (35 cm)
W. 13 3/4 in. (35 cm)
D. 1 9/16 in. (4 cm)
12.34.3d: Ht. 14 3/16 in. (36 cm)
W. 13 3/8 in. (34 cm)
D. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)
Classification: Ceramics-Tiles
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1912
Object Number: 12.34.3
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Pierced Jug with Harpies and Sphinxes, Stonepaste; openwork, underglaze-painted, glazed in transparent turquoise — Pierced Jug with Harpies and Sphinxes
dated 612 AH/1215–16 CE

Three Corner Tiles, Stonepaste; modeled, inglaze painted in blue and luster-painted on opaque white glaze — Three Corner Tiles
early 14th century

Corner Tile, Stonepaste; modeled, inglaze painted in blue and luster-painted on opaque white glaze — Corner Tile
early 14th century

Square Tile, Stonepaste; molded and luster-painted on opaque white glaze under transparent glaze — Square Tile
late 13th century

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