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Fragment of a Glazed Tile Inscription

12th–13th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
This fragment, which includes three letters of the word "Allah," would have been part of a long horizontal band forming part of the decoration on the facade of a presumably religious building. Glazed tiles, especially in light or turquoise blue, became popular in Iran and Central Asia as early as the twelfth century, gradually replacing carved stucco as the favored medium for architectural decoration.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fragment of a Glazed Tile Inscription
  • Date: 12th–13th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, Nishapur. Excavated in Iran, Nishapur
  • Medium: Stonepaste; carved decoration under opaque monochrome glaze
  • Dimensions: H. 11 in. (27.9 cm)
    W. 10 in. (25.4 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Tiles
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1937
  • Object Number: 37.40.24
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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