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Fragment of a Frieze

11th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
Found in the area around the Tepe Madrasa mosque in Nishapur, this terracotta panel features an octagonal pattern with a star at its center. Remains of pigment on the surface suggest that the background was colored with red and blue, while the geometric shapes in the foreground were shaded in white. Terracotta, usually in the form of bricks, was used as a decorative material throughout Iran before being replaced by glazed tiles. At Nishapur, many fragments of large panels of terracotta carved with different types of designs provide evidence of yet another form of architectural decoration.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fragment of a Frieze
  • Date: 11th century
  • Geography: Excavated in Iran, Nishapur
  • Medium: Terracotta; carved, painted
  • Dimensions: H. 18 3/4 in (47.6 cm)
    W. 34 in. (86.4 cm)
    D. 3 in (7.6 cm)
    Wt. 91 lbs. (41.3 kg)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1939
  • Object Number: 39.40.67
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Panel from a Mosque Frieze Bearing the Name of a Sultan, Terracotta; carved, painted
Panel from a Mosque Frieze Bearing the Name of a Sultan
11th century
Panel from a Mosque Frieze Bearing the Name of a Sultan, Terracotta; carved, painted
Panel from a Mosque Frieze Bearing the Name of a Sultan
11th century
Fragment of a Frieze, Terracotta; carved, painted
Fragment of a Frieze
11th century
Panel from a Mosque Frieze Bearing the Name of a Sultan, Terracotta; carved, painted
Panel from a Mosque Frieze Bearing the Name of a Sultan
11th century
Fragment of a Frieze with Repeating Phrase, "Sovereignty is God's", Terracotta; carved, painted
Fragment of a Frieze with Repeating Phrase, "Sovereignty is God's"
11th century

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