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About this work
Throughout Persia, star- and hexagon-shaped tiles were manufactured in large quantities to decorate interior and exterior surfaces of both religious and secular buildings. This example, made during the Il Khanid period, is decorated with metallic lustre glaze. Lustre ware originated in ninth-century Iraq, and spread to Europe via Egypt, Iran and Spain. The fact that the tile’s floral decoration and calligraphy recall both Persian textiles and luxury manuscripts suggests that common visual sources were employed by artisans working in different media. The calligraphic border reflects the importance of script in Islamic art, whether used as ornament, as talisman or to communicate the word of God.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Iran
Accession Number
601-D2
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
Star shape, stag and doe on ground of scrolls, yellow lustre on white ground. Persian inscription in blue and lustre.