Cross-Shaped Tile

Unknown

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

This cross-shaped tile was decorated using a technique called lajvardina, a term that reference lapis lazuli, a deep blue colored stone containing gold particles. After an initial firing to establish the dark blue and turquoise background, the tile underwent a second firing to set the overglazed details and the carefully cut and placed specks of gold leaf that create a glimmering surface. A nearly symmetrical vine pattern, once covered in gold leaf, is surrounded by gold and black decoration that occupies the background of this tile, which would have been an element in a star-and-cross panel adorning the walls of an Ilkhanid palace, mosque, or mausoleum.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 13th–early 14th century

Medium

Stonepaste; overglaze painted and leaf gilded (lajvardina)

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Ehsan Yarshater and Margaret Mushekian Gifts, 1975