Tile from an Inscriptional Frieze

Unknown

early 14th century · Stonepaste; modeled, overglaze painted, and gilded (lajvardina) · Islamic Art

Inscribed: '[Blessings] upon the Prophet' - possibly from Qur'an 33:56 This tile exhibits the use of a rare glaze technique referred to as 'lajvardina'. After a first firing to establish the dark blue or turquoise underglaze background, these tiles were subjected to a second firing to set the carefully cut and placed pieces of gold leaf, creating glittering floral and geometric patterns. In this example, the inscription once was covered entirely in gold.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 14th century

Medium

Stonepaste; modeled, overglaze painted, and gilded (lajvardina)

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891