Square Tile Depicting Clouds

Unknown

17th century · Stonepaste; polychrome glaze within black wax resist outlines (cuerda seca technique) · Islamic Art

This square tile would have been originally part of a larger decorative scheme, and has been created using the cuerda seca decorative technique. Literally "dry cord" this process involved applying a wax border between colored glazes in order to prevent them from mixing during the firing process. Cuerda seca replaced mosaics as a more cost effective and faster polychrome technique. During the Safavid period, design motifs with dense clusters of flowers such as chrysanthemums or Chinoiserie lotuses on winding scrolls with feathery leaves were common designs. This one is executed in a particularly vibrant color scheme.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Stonepaste; polychrome glaze within black wax resist outlines (cuerda seca technique)

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Elizabeth S. Ettinghausen Gift, in memory of Richard Ettinghausen, 2006