Star-Shaped Tile

second half 13th–14th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 455

This eight-pointed star tile was decorated using a method 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 would have been part of a star-and-cross panel adorning the walls of an Ilkhanid palace, mosque, or mausoleum.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Star-Shaped Tile
Date: second half 13th–14th century
Geography: Made in Iran
Medium: Stonepaste; molded, overglaze painted and leaf gilded (lajvardina)
Dimensions: D. 11/16 in. (1.7 cm)
Diam. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
Classification: Ceramics-Tiles
Credit Line: H.O. Havemeyer Collection, Gift of Horace Havemeyer, 1940
Object Number: 40.181.16
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Turquoise Bowl with Lute Player and Audience, Stonepaste; glazed (opaque monochrome), in-glaze- and overglaze-painted, gilded — Turquoise Bowl with Lute Player and Audience
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