Iranian, Kashan
Tile from a Mihrab, about 1215
Ceramic with cobalt and luster glazes , 47 x 44 cm (18 1/2 x 17 5/16 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
Square tile from the Mihrab of a Persian mosque. The center of the tile has large dark blue thuluth letters that are in relief. The background behind the letters is white with intricate brown colored detailing that forms a swirling botanical pattern. There are smaller brown painted thuluth letters along the bottom of the tile below the blue letters. The background behind the letters is white and the area above and below is outlined in brown. The area above the blue letters has a brown background with white detailing that is painted with intricate dot designs that are the same brown as the tile background. The pattern is in relief. There are multiple spots along the top, bottom, left side, and across the blue letters where the top layer of the tile has been chipped away.
Spanish Cloister
Commentary
This beautiful tile formed part of the frieze in a prayer niche of a mosque. Called a mihrab, this niche or arch in a wall marks the direction towards Mecca, toward which worshippers face during prayer. The inscription, in large dark blue script, is a verse from the Koran. The rich decoration consists of intertwining foliage and a patterned band at the top. Various blue glazes are balanced by copper luster glaze. Two other tiles from the frieze are in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.Source: Eye of the Beholder, edited by Alan Chong et al. (Boston: ISGM and Beacon Press, 2003): 163.