Art Institute of Chicago

Twelve-Point Star Tile

Date

Timurid dynasty (1370-1507), Late 15th century

Medium

Glazed fritware tiles cut and reassembled as a mosaic

Culture

Iran

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This twelve-pointed star is composed of glazed cut tiles that were assembled as a mosaic. Although mosaics were not uncommon at this time, other extant star tiles of this period were typically fired in one piece. The vivid color scheme of turquoise and cobalt highlight the mosaic’s intricate pattern of flowers and scrolls. A mosaic like this one might have formed a central decorative element on the pulpit of a mosque or it may have adorned the walls of a grand hall or madrasa, a religious school.

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