Tile Window Grille
Timurid dynasty (1370-1507), 15th century
Medium
Glazed fritware tiles cut and reassembled as a mosaic
Dimensions
156.2 × 128.3 × 4.2 cm (61 1/2 × 50 1/2 × 1 5/8 in.)
Classification
ceramics
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
8864
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The production of carved and glazed architectural ceramics continued to develop in western Central Asia under the Timurids. A highly geometric decorative scheme was incorporated into the tile design of both religious and secular monuments in these regions, including this window grille. This monumental example emphasizes its geometric composition while also demonstrating an organic relationship with the structure; the voids in the pattern function as the window openings. A window grille such as t...
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...