Painted tile with Qur’anic inscriptions, likely from a mosque or tomb, one of a pair, late 13th - early 14th century
Unknown artist, Iranexpand_more
Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsburyexpand_more 50.46.458
On View in Gallery 243expand_more
The Kashan ceramic workshops in Iran specialized in manufacturing luster-painted architectural tiles well into the fourteenth century. These tiles bear inscriptions from different verses from the Qur'an, which are translated as follows:
His messenger who... (top) /
...Do not know. (bottom)
They were probably part of a mihrab, the sacred wall niche found in every mosque that orients the worshipper toward the holy city of Mecca during prayers. The opulence of the tiles illustrates the special attention given mihrabs in Muslim architecture; as the most important part of the mosque interior, these features had to stand out visually within a vast enclosure - hence, the bright colors and rich luster.
Details
- Title
- Painted tile with Qur’anic inscriptions, likely from a mosque or tomb, one of a pair
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 50.46.458
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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