Dish with 'Cintamani' and Tiger-stripe Pattern

Unknown

ca. 1575–90 · Stonepaste; polychrome painted under transparent glaze · Islamic Art

The pattern of this charming dish is a variant of the so‑called chintamani (Sanskrit for "auspicious jewel") design. Appearing on ceramics as well as on carpets and textiles, this pervasive design originated in Buddhist iconography. Originally, the circles and wavy stripes represented auspicious flaming pearls, but in the Ottoman context this significance was transformed through their association with tiger stripes and leopard spots, symbols connoting strength and courage.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1575–90

Medium

Stonepaste; polychrome painted under transparent glaze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of William B. Osgood Field, 1902