IRAN, 12TH/13TH CENTURY

Details

A TURQUOISE-GLAZED OCTAGONAL MOULDED POTTERY TILE
IRAN, 12TH/13TH CENTURY
The turquoise-glazed surface with a strongly moulded inscription in floriated kufic, the reverse plain, minor restoration
7 x 8in. (17.8 x 20.3cm.)

Provenance

With Dikran Kelekian, first half 20th century

Engraved

bismallah, 'in the name of God'

Further details

Some countries prohibit or restrict the purchase and/or import of Iranian-origin property. Bidders must familiarise themselves with any laws or shipping restrictions that apply to them before bidding. For example, the USA prohibits dealings in and import of Iranian-origin “works of conventional craftsmanship” (such as carpets, textiles, decorative objects, and scientific instruments) without an appropriate licence. Christie’s has a general OFAC licence which, subject to compliance with certain conditions, would enable a buyer to import this type of lot into the USA. If you intend to use Christie’s licence, please contact us for further information before you bid.

Conditions of sale

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Lot Essay

A moulded pottery tile of identical dimensions and shape, moulded with the word al-rahim and thus continuing the bismillah begun in this tile, is in the British Museum, London (acc.no.1954.1214.1). A number of calligraphic tiles with a turquoise glaze were in the collection of Theodor Sehmer, sold Christie's London, 27 April 2004. These included a rectangular tile with kufic inscription (lot 206), two large moulded tiles in thuluth (lot 248), a mihrab niche (lot 255), and two highly unusual isolated letters (lot 265).

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