Tile Panel with Calligraphic Inscription

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 460

Traditional ceramic production in Syria continued after the region came under Ottoman control in the early sixteenth century. Syrian tiles and ceramics of this period are related to Iznik wares, but do not include red in their palette. This large inscription panel was created in Syria for an unidentified mosque. Its calligraphy reads: "The weak servant Kayun ibn 'Abdallah, the sinful, the one in need of God’s mercy, founded this blessed mosque. It was built in the year 1000 [A.H./A.D. 1591–92]." Further examples of Syrian tilework panels flank the entrance to the adjoining gallery.

Tile Panel with Calligraphic Inscription, Stonepaste; polychrome painted under transparent glaze

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Tile Panel with Calligraphic Inscription, Stonepaste; polychrome painted under transparent glaze
Tile Panel with Calligraphic Inscription, Stonepaste; polychrome painted under transparent glaze

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.