Author
Unknown
Publication Date
1266
Publication Place
Kashan (made) -
Subject
Islam Tiles Lustre Ware Ceramics
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
Height: 52cm, Width: 57cm, Weight: 25.5kg
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
469-1888
Record ID
469-1888
Library Location
Middle East Section
Date
1266
Notes
This tile was originally part of a tomb-marker that covered the grave of an important person. The design on such tiles commonly included an arch, as here. The motif recalled the mihrab niche in a mosque that indicated the position of the Kaâbah shrine in Mecca. It indicated that the deceased had been buried in accordance with Islamic law in alignment with the Kaâbah. The inscription in lustre along the profile of the arch is the first surah (chapter) of the Qurâan, called âal-Fatihahâ (âThe Openingâ). The text in blue below is from the second surah (verse 285). It begins, âThe Messenger believes what has been sent down to him from his Lord, as do the faithful. They all believe in God, His angels, His scriptures, and His messengers.â
Sample Text
Qur'an 2:285TranslationThe Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His Messengers. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His Messengers." And they say...NoteArabic; large text surrounded by pointed arch, al-Fatihah (opening chapter of the Qur'an)NoteArabic; written on the pointed arch surrounding the larger inscription
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Moulded fritware, painted with cobalt blue under a transparent glaze, with lustre over the glaze Fritware Glazing Lustre-Painted
Fiziksel açıklama
Tile with lobed arch, containing inscriptions in Arabic, the upper corners filled with moulded plant scrolls. This tile may have formed the upper part of a mihrab, and the niche-shape of its design copies the usual form of mihrabs. Since it is flat, it may have been in a secondary position in the shrine which it originally occupied. The inscription in blue under the arch is a quotation from the Qur'an, which stresses the need for Muslims to believe in the divine revelation.
Üslup
Kashan Islamic