Star-Shaped Tile

Unknown

second half 13th–14th century · Stonepaste; molded, overglaze painted and leaf gilded (lajvardina) · Islamic Art

This eight-pointed star tile was decorated using a method called lajvardina, a term that references lapis lazuli, a deep blue-colored stone containing gold particles. After an initial firing to establish the dark blue background, the tile underwent a second firing to set the overglazed details and the carefully cut pieces of gold leaf, creating a glimmering surface. A flowering spray of Chinese-inspired lotus and peony blossoms occupies the entire surface of this tile, which would have been part of a star-and-cross panel adorning the walls of an Ilkhanid palace, mosque, or mausoleum.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 13th–14th century

Medium

Stonepaste; molded, overglaze painted and leaf gilded (lajvardina)

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

H.O. Havemeyer Collection, Gift of Horace Havemeyer, 1940