Lajvardina Tile with “Allah”

Lajvardina Tile with “Allah”

1300s
Culture
Islamic
Country
Iran
Object
tile
Medium
Molded ceramic with pigments over a blue glaze
Accession Number
1991.909
Credit Line
Gift of Bj Averitt
Lajvardina Tile with “Allah”. 1300s. Molded ceramic with pigments over a blue glaze. Gift of Bj Averitt. 1991.909.
Dimensions
height: 7.75 in, 19.6850 cm; width: 5 in, 12.7000 cm; depth: 1.25 in, 3.1750 cm
Inscription
Calligraphy reads "Allah"
Department
Arts of Asia
Collection
Arts of Asia
This object is currently on view

Frieze Tile
1300s, Ilkhanid dynasty (1256–1335)
Iran
Fritware
Gift of Bj Averitt
1991.909

Lajvardina ware ceramics are named for their resemblance to the dark blue stone lapis lazuli. The surface is often embellished with gold leaf or decorated with geometric patterns or delicate scroll work as seen on this tile. The inscription, highlighted in relief and separated from the background by ocher-colored outlines, reads Allah, the Arabic name for God. This kind of ceramic is associated with the Ilkhanid dynasty descendants of Mongol invaders of the thirteenth century. With its capital in northern Iran, the Ilkhanid Empire reached from modern-day Pakistan to Turkey. It brought a new organizational structure and creativity to the region, but was ultimately absorbed into, and helped to spread, Persian Islamic culture.