Tile Panel

Unknown

13th century · Stonepaste; molded and luster-painted · Islamic Art

These four tiles were once part of the decoration that framed the mihrab (prayer niche) of a religious building in Iran. The text is from the Qur'an, Chapter 48, verses 1–4 (sura "of Victory"). The gaps in the passage allow the hypothetical reconstruction of the position of the single tiles within the mihrab's frame. In addition to the fine floral scrolls and the details on the foliate elements, the birds seen here are characteristic of Kashan luster painting and, sometimes, are found in conjunction with prayer niches. Therefore, we should not be surprised to see them combined with a Qur'anic inscription.

Artist

Unknown

Date

13th century

Medium

Stonepaste; molded and luster-painted

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1912