Object Image

Tile from a Frieze

The five inscriptional luster-glazed tiles shown here contain passages from the Qur'an written in cobalt blue glaze against a scrolling floral vine. They may have once formed part of a calligraphic frieze within a tomb or religious structure, in combination with the corner tiles currently installed in the archway to your left. Note that the top of one of these corner tiles exhibits calligraphy in the same style and palette as those found in this case.

Credit: Gift of Mrs. Frederick F. Thompson, 1915...

Early 14th century
Stonepaste; inglaze painted in blue and turquoise, luster-painted on opaque white glaze, modeled
19.4in
15.76.6
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019

Where you'll find this

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection