Tile

Object Details

• Description

  Rectangular, partially glazed earthenware tile, with deep molded curvilinear relief designs. Only the wide depressions are glazed, with a light blue/turquoise glaze. The tile is constructed of a thick slab of clay, cut in a V-shape at one end and having a very thick ridge or hand hold along the center back, possibly for the original impression and also for mounting on a wall.

• Label

  In the Persian world, architectural decoration in the form of partially glazed terra cotta dates to 12th-century Nishapur (Khorasan), but the elegant, curvelinear design of this particular fragment suggests a later date. On the basis of the decoration and surface treatment, it is tempting to propose that the tile belongs to a transitional period--one that flourished between the fall of the Il-khanid dynasty in 1353 and the rise of the Timurids in the early 15th century. It probably represents a link between Il-khanid preference for carved, unglazed architectural surfaces and Timurid preoccupation with faience mosaic as the predominant form of architectural decoration in the early 15th century.

• Collection

  Freer Study Collection

• Origin

  Khurasan, Iran

• Credit Line

  Gift of Clarence and Kathryn Kubichek in memory of Gladys Scott

• Type

  Architectural Element

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1400s, 1300s

• Place

  Khurasan

• Topic

  Art, Pottery, Arts of the Islamic World, Ceramics

• Culture

  Muslims, Iranians

• Object Type

  Architectural elements