Tile with an Image of a Prince on Horseback

Unknown

second half 19th century · Stonepaste; molded, polychrome painted under transparent glaze · Islamic Art

Mainly produced in Tehran, the Qajar capital, continuous friezes of rectangular underglaze-painted tiles, such as this example, were common in nineteenth-century architecture. Here, a young man on horseback is depicted with his hand extended toward Huma, the fabulous bird, the embodiment of health and strength, hovering over his head. Only royalty fell under the shadow of Huma, suggesting that the horseman depicted here is a prince.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 19th century

Medium

Stonepaste; molded, polychrome painted under transparent glaze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Bequest of George White Thorne, 1883