Star-Shaped Tile
Ilkhanid dynasty (1256–1353), Late 13th century
Medium
Lusterware, fritware with cobalt blue and turquoise underglaze and luster-painted overglaze decoration
Dimensions
20.7 × 20.7 × 1.7 cm (8 3/16 × 8 3/16 × 3 in.)
Classification
earthenware
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
106111
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Luster-painted ceramics were popular in Iran prior to the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. The technique continued to be popular under Mongol rule, often using the same forms and patterns as earlier luster ceramics. Additional color is seen in the cobalt and turquoise underglaze painting, which embellishes elements in the design such as the three-part plant at the center of this tile. The presence of figural decoration on this tile indicates that it adorned a secular rather than religious mo...
About the Artist
Islamic
Islamic art, a profound visual tradition originating in the 7th century CE, flourished across vast territories from Spain to India under Muslim rule, encompassing architecture, ceramics, manuscripts, textiles, and metalwork produced by diverse artisans rather than a single named master. Drawing from pre-Islamic Sasanian, Byzantine, and late antique influences, its early development under the Umayy...