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.
Limestone
12th centuryBelgianBrick red earthenware with mold-impressed decoration
5th-6th centuryKoreanLimestone
15th centuryFrenchLimestone
12th centuryFrenchDark-surfaced, light gray earthenware with mold-impressed decoration. Reportedly from Kyŏngju, North Kyŏngsang province.
7th-10th centuryKoreanGlazed fritware with calligraphy
13th centuryTurkishDark-surfaced, light gray earthenware with mold-impressed decoration. Reportedly from Kyŏngju, North Kyŏngsang province.
7th-10th centuryKoreanLight gray earthenware with mold-impressed decoration
KoreanLimestone
12th centurySpanishDark-surfaced, light gray earthenware with mold-impressed decoration. Reportedly from Kyŏngju, North Kyŏngsang province.
7th-10th centuryKoreanFritware painted under glaze
16th-17th centuryOttomanStone
15th centuryFrench