Tile with Floral and Cloud-band Design

Unknown

ca. 1578 · Stonepaste; polychrome painted under transparent glaze · Islamic Art

Restorations to Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace after 1574 resulted in major commissions for ceramic tiles. Designed in the imperial workshop in Istanbul, these tiles were executed at the famous kilns of Iznik. This example, when aligned with others of its type, forms a pattern of four floral palmettes, interspersed with red, ribbonlike cloud bands. Many of these tiles remain in situ, having adorned the walls of the Ottoman palace for more than four centuries.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1578

Medium

Stonepaste; polychrome painted under transparent glaze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of William B. Osgood Field, 1902