16th Century tile panel from Damascus

Why Is It Important?

It highlights the range of figurative decoration (humans and animals) that can be found on some Islamic non-religious art work.

Cultural Links

A fantastic combination of 24 tiles influenced by Chinese art.

The lower section represents a river full of a variety of swimming creatures such as fish and turtles. Appearing in the vegetation above are numerous cranes (symbols of good fortune and longevity in Chinese art) and deer. A fisherman to the left catches a net full of fish. Also contained within the panel are three hexagonal shaped fish ponds.

The fertility of the land is a recurring theme in secular Islamic art, particularly when referring to the reign of regional rulers or Caliphs. Lush vegetation and a variety of animal types inferred that the conduct of the ruler was just and as a consequence his kingdom flourished.

Next : A 13th Century star tile from Kashan, Iran.

End Arab Hall Tour.