Star-Shaped Tile

first half 15th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 457
Eight-pointed star tiles from Nasrid Spain are rare, but this example bears centralized vegetal motifs specific to Málaga lusterware. Poetic inscriptions played an important role in the architectural decoration of Andalusia. Around the rim an Arabic inscription refers to the art of ceramic glazing.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Star-Shaped Tile
  • Date: first half 15th century
  • Geography: Made in Spain, probably Malaga
  • Medium: Earthenware; luster-painted on opaque white glaze
  • Dimensions: H. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)
    W. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)
  • Classification: Gaming pieces
  • Credit Line: H.O. Havemeyer Collection, Gift of Horace Havemeyer, 1941
  • Object Number: 41.165.40
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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