Skip to main content

Star-shaped Tile with flying crane among flowers

Iranian

Artwork Details

Star-shaped Tile with flying crane among flowers
early 14th century
Iranian
fritware with blue underglaze painting and brown luster overglaze painting
8 1/16 in. x 8 1/16 in. x 13/16 in. ( 20.5 cm x 20.5 cm x 2 cm )
Museum Purchase
1957/1.102

Description

Subject Matter:


Kashan-style ceramic tile was commonly used to decorate Ilkhanid-period architecture. This tile resembles exterior palace tiles from the Ilkhanid period or may have decorated a mihrab. 

Physical Description:


This Ilkhanid eight-pointed star tile employs the Kashan style that originates in Iran. A crane/phoenix-type bird flies amongst floral decorations. The outer perimeter is decorated with a cursive script. The script may either be Qur'anic verse (Arabic) or a Shahnama verse (Persian book of Kings). (updated)

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.