13th century
Town probably Kashan,
Iran
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; inglaze painted in blue and turquoise and luster-painted on opaque white glaze
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SizeH. 8 in. (20.3 cm) W. 8 in. (20.3 cm) Wt. (whole group) 31 lbs. (14.1 kg)
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Geography detailsMade in
Town probably Kashan,
Iran -
Country today
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Date13th 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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Four fantastic birds occupy the arms of this cross-shaped tile which was once part of a panel of star- and cross-shaped tiles adorning the walls of an Ilkhanid building. Probably produced in the ceramic center of Kashan in Central Iran, it displays many characteristics typical of this site, including the use of opulent luster glaze, a balanced composition with one animal in each arm, and the spirals and dots that fill the background.