second half 19th century
Iran
Object qualities
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Objectdecorative tile: Tile from a frieze
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumStonepaste; molded, polychrome painted under transparent glaze
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SizeH. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm) W. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm) D. Wt.
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Geography detailsCountry of Origin
Iran -
Country today
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Datesecond half 19th 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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Mainly produced in Tehran, the Qajar capital, continuous friezes of rectangular underglaze-painted tiles, such as this example, were common in nineteenth-century architecture. Here, a young man on horseback is depicted with his hand extended toward Huma, the fabulous bird, the embodiment of health and strength, hovering over his head. Only royalty fell under the shadow of Huma, suggesting that the horseman depicted here is a prince.