Three Tiles with 'Lajvardina' Glaze
This eight-pointed tile was decorated using a technique called lajvardina, a term that references lapis lazuli, a deep blue colored stone containing gold particles. After an initial firing to establish the dark blue background, the tile underwent a second firing to set the overglazed details and the carefully cut pieces of gold leaf, creating a glimmering surface. A flowering spray of Chinese-inspired lotus and peony blossoms occupies the entire surface of this tile, which was once part of a star-and-cross panel adorning the walls of an Ilkhanid palace, mosque, or mausoleum.
Artwork Details
- Title: Three Tiles with 'Lajvardina' Glaze
- Date: second half 13th–14th century
- Geography: Attributed to Iran
- Medium: Stonepaste; molded, overglaze painted, and gilded (lajvardina)
- Dimensions: H. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
W. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
D. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm) - Classification: Ceramics-Tiles
- Credit Line: The Grinnell Collection, Bequest of William Milne Grinnell, 1920
- Object Number: 20.120.73
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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