Partial Niche-Form Tile

Unknown

second half 13th century · Stonepaste; luster-painted on opaque white glaze, modeled · Islamic Art

Tiles with applied columnar decoration, such as this one, often formed the lower portion of elaborate composite mihrab tile panels installed in religious structures during the Ilkhanid period. The prominent lotus flower motifs decorating this tile were likely adapted from similar floral forms in Chinese iconography. This tile is attributed to the second half of the 13th century, after the establishment of Ilkhanid rule in the region and the opening of continuous trade networks between Iran and China.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 13th century

Medium

Stonepaste; luster-painted on opaque white glaze, modeled

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

The Grinnell Collection, Bequest of William Milne Grinnell, 1920