second half 13th-early 14th century
Iran
Object qualities
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Objectinterior decoration: Cross-shaped tile
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumStonepaste; overglaze painted and leaf gilded (lajvardina)
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SizeH. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm) D. 5/8 in (1.6 cm)
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Geography detailsMade in
Iran -
Country today
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Datesecond half 13th-early 14th century
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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This cross-shaped tile was decorated using a technique called lajvardina, a term that reference lapis lazuli, a deep blue colored stone containing gold particles. After an initial firing to establish the dark blue and turquoise background, the tile underwent a second firing to set the overglazed details and the carefully cut and placed specks of gold leaf that create a glimmering surface. A nearly symmetrical vine pattern, once covered in gold leaf, is surrounded by gold and black decoration that occupies the background of this tile, which would have been an element in a star-and-cross panel adorning the walls of an Ilkhanid palace, mosque, or mausoleum.