Tile Panel with Calligraphic Inscription

dated 1000 AH/1591–92 CE
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Tile Panel with Calligraphic Inscription
  • Date: dated 1000 AH/1591–92 CE
  • Geography: Made in Syria
  • Medium: Stonepaste; polychrome painted under transparent glaze
  • Dimensions: H. 63 1/4 in. (160.7 cm)
    W. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm)
    D. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
    Wt. 58 lbs. (26.3 kg)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Tiles
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Agnes Miles Carpenter, 1958
  • Object Number: 58.90.1a–g
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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