Star-Shaped Tile
Unknown Artist
A.H. 665 /1266–67 CE
Medium
Stonepaste; underglaze luster- and cobalt painted
Dimensions
H. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm) W. 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm)
Classification
Ceramics-Tiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Fletcher Fund, 1971
Accession Number
1971.235.4
Art Historical Context
This exquisite star-shaped tile, crafted around 1266–67 CE in the Islamic world, exemplifies the pinnacle of medieval ceramic artistry. Made from stonepaste—a innovative composite of quartz, clay, and frit that mimicked Chinese porcelain's translucency—it's adorned with underglaze and cobalt blue paints. The metallic sheen of luster, achieved by applying metallic oxides and firing in a reducing atmosphere, creates a shimmering effect that catches the light, while vibrant cobalt blues add depth. Measuring just under 5 inches high and 6.5 inches wide, its geometric star form was designed for int...