Figurative Persian tiles, 17th Century

Four tiles from Kubachi in north western Iran

Why Is It Important?

The two female and two male characters who eat and drink in a garden setting highlight the close overlap in images that can appear in Persian tile painting and Persian miniatures.

The appearance and dress of the figures in these tiles echo those that appear in Persian miniatures of the period, particularly those associated with the art of poetry.

Cultural Links

These four tiles show the influence of Chinese porcelain from the Mongol dynasty (known in China as Yuan dynasty) 1260 to 1368. By 1400 Chinese blue and white porcelain was having a profound impact in Central Asia and Persia.

Designs from Yuan porcelain were imitated by Persian potters long after it's original appearance in the region. The influence of Iznik (Turkey) colour schemes are also apparent in the decoration of the architectural frames and the polychrome colours of the figures painted under the glaze.

Such tiles would have been intended for a secular and non religious context. Many have been found in the palaces of nobles throughout the region.

Next : 17th century stained glass from Damascus.

Previous : A hexagonal tile from Iznik in Turkey, circa 1535.

End Arab Hall Tour.