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Mihrab (Prayer Niche)

dated 755 AH/1354–55 CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 455
The most important element in any mosque is the mihrab, the niche that indicates the direction of Mecca, the Muslim holy pilgrimage site in Arabia, which Muslims face when praying. This example from the Madrasa Imami in Isfahan is composed of a mosaic of small glazed tiles fitted together to form various patterns and inscriptions. Qur'anic verses run from the bottom right to the bottom left of the outer frame; a second inscription with sayings of the Prophet, in Kufic script, borders the pointed arch of the niche; and a third inscription, in cursive, is set in a frame at the center of the niche. The result is one of the earliest and finest surviving examples of mosaic tile work.

Along the frame, a reference to the five pillars of Islam is written in kufic: "He [the Prophet], blessings and peace be upon him, said: “Islam is built on five attestations: there is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God, he established prayer and the giving of alms and the pilgrimage and fasting of [the month of] Ramadan."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mihrab (Prayer Niche)
  • Date: dated 755 AH/1354–55 CE
  • Geography: From Iran, Isfahan
  • Medium: Mosaic of polychrome-glazed cut tiles on stonepaste body; set into mortar
  • Dimensions: Mihrab
    H. 135 1/16 in. (343.1 cm)
    W. 113 11/16in. (288.7cm)
    Wt. 4,500 lbs. (2041.2 kg)
    Storage box:
    W. 99 in. (251.5 cm)
    D. 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1939
  • Object Number: 39.20
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Cover Image for 6774. Mihrab

6774. Mihrab

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