About this work
Star- and hexagon-shaped ceramic tiles were manufactured in large quantities to decorate interiorand exterior surfaces of religious and secular buildings throughout Persia. The characteristic floral decoration and calligraphy that embellish this lustreware tile recall Persian textiles and manuscripts, and its calligraphic border suggest the importance of script in Islamic art, whether used as ornament, to convey talismanic properties, or to communicate the word of God. Lustre-ware glazes, which originated in ninth-century Iraq and spread to Europe via Egypt, Iran and Spain, incorporate light-reflecting metalbased pigments that create a sparkling surface.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Iran
Accession Number
41-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
Lustre, eight point star with floral and leaf motifs and outer band of Islamic script, brown.