Tile
The seated figures and the wading bird on this tile have led scholars to doubt its antiquity, and the piece has rarely been exhibited. Modeled tiles composing long inscribed friezes are well attested, but the overglaze painting makes this example a fine and rare piece—or perhaps an improved or faked one. The painter’s knowledge of established iconography is unmistakable. Yet a few unusual details, such as the development of the scrolls in the background, call the painting’s antiquity into question.
Artwork Details
- Title: Tile
- Date: late 12th–13th century, probably with early 20th century additions
- Geography: Attributed to Iran
- Medium: Stonepaste; modeled, overglaze-painted, and gilded, opaque white glaze
- Dimensions: H. 9 in. (22.9 cm)
W. 9 in. .(22.9 cm) - Classification: Ceramics-Tiles
- Credit Line: Purchase, J. Lionberger Davis Gift, 1967
- Object Number: 67.5
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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late 12th–early 13th century
late 12th century
12th–early 13th century
dated 755 AH/1354–55 CE
dated 612 AH/1215–16 CE
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