Tile with Qur'anic Inscription

Arts of Asia

Ilkhanid dynasty (1256–1353), Early 14th century

Iran
Probably Kashan

Overglaze painted ceramics on a blue background, called lajvardina, were developed by Ilkhanid potters in 14th-century Iran. Lajvardina wares are known for geometric patterns, although calligraphy can also be present, especially on tiles. Such tiles have not survived in large quantities because the gold leaf and overglaze painting have suffered from exposure to the elements.Despite the diminishment of its gold leaf decoration, this tile illustrates the lavish end results of the lajvardina technique: the deep cobalt blue fills the composition, red enamel highlights the calligraphic script, and the few traces of gold leaf shimmer. Cobalt blue and gold leaf were among the most expensive materials used by potters in the medieval world.

Status: Currently Off View
Department: Arts of Asia

Culture: Islamic
Title: Tile with Qur'anic Inscription
Place: Iran (Artist's nationality:)
Date Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.: Artist's working dates 1301–1353
Medium: Fritware with molded decoration, leaf gilding, and red over a blue glaze
Dimensions: 18.3 × 34.8 × 4.2 cm (7 3/16 × 14 1/8 × 1 5/8 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Martin A. Ryerson
Reference Number: 1925.198
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