Fragment of a Frieze

Unknown

11th century · Terracotta; carved, painted · Islamic Art

Found in the area around the Tepe Madrasa mosque in Nishapur, this terracotta panel features an octagonal pattern with a star at its center. Remains of pigment on the surface suggest that the background was colored with red and blue, while the geometric shapes in the foreground were shaded in white. Terracotta, usually in the form of bricks, was used as a decorative material throughout Iran before being replaced by glazed tiles. At Nishapur, many fragments of large panels of terracotta carved with different types of designs provide evidence of yet another form of architectural decoration.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th century

Medium

Terracotta; carved, painted

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1939