Tile panel, fritware lustre, Kashan, 1262
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1262
Many innovations originated in the Islamic Middle East. Decorating glazed ceramics with metallic lustre was one of them. This difficult technique was invented in Iraq in the 9th century. It spread over an area stretching from Spain to Iran, where these tiles were made. Museum Numbers: 1837&A, C, E, F-1876 1487-1876 1489-1876 1838&C, E-1876 1077-1892 1099&A-1892 1100&A-1892
The tiles are from the tomb of a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad at Varamin near Tehran. The designs, each subtly different, are surrounded by quotations from the Qur’an. Panel of fifteen star and cross tiles, from the shrine of Imamzadeh Yahya in Varamin (south of Tehran). Fritware ceramic with lustre decoration, Iran, probably Kashan, dated 1262, and attributable to Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Tahir.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
In the three months Dhu'l-Hijja 660 to Safar 661 (October to December 1262) were made a large number of star and cross tiles that decorated the dado of the Imamzada Yahya in Veramin. Over 150 examples are recorded in some 24 collections. (Watson, Persian Lustre Ware , p. 191)
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Fritware with overglaze lustre decoration
- Dimensions
- Width: 121.1 cm; Weight: 45 kg (Width of each tile: 28 to 31cm)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Tahir
- Place recorded
- Kashan
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London collection record for this single object (sentences kept verbatim apart from removed sale or rarity wording); how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Candidate id
- vam-O89590
- Museum object name
- Tile panel
- Holding institution
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- Museum object number
- 1837&A, C, E, F-1876, 1487-1876, 1489-1876, 1838&C, E-1876, 1077-1892, 1099&A-1892, 1100&A-1892
- Museum system number
- O89590
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and dating against a specialist reference; this entry documents one recorded example.