c. 1570
The Ottoman dynasty established the largest Islamic empire of the early modern era. At the peak of their powers in the sixteenth century, the Ottomans built numerous large architectural projects, especially in the capital city of Istanbul. Many of the projects were designed by the renowned architect Sinan. Ceramic tiles were part of his carefully planned interior and exterior decorations. Using blue, emerald green, and a bright red yielded a powerful palette visible at a distance. These colors, along with the newly developed modular square tiles, worked well for decoration that covered great expanses of wall. Larger, single tiles such as this one were used to highlight architectural elements such as doors and windows.
39.3 x 67.5 x 2.5 cm (15 1/2 x 26 9/16 x 1 in.)
John Goelet, New York, NY, (by 1960), gift; to Fogg Art Museum, 1960.
Wood
18th centuryJapaneseBrick red earthenware with mold-impressed decoration. Reportedly from Kyŏngju, North Kyŏngsang province.
5th-6th centuryKoreanTerracotta
ChineseFritware
12th-13th centuryPersianLimestone, biosparite
14th centuryFrenchStone
12th-15th centuryEuropeanFritware with monochrome turquoise glaze
13th-14th centuryPersianDolomite
14th centuryFrenchFritware
18th-19th centuryTurkishLimestone
5th centuryCopticLimestone
4th-5th century CECopticMarble
12th centuryFrench