Iran
Probably Takht-e Soleyman
Star-Shaped Tile with Phoenix
INV-9228
Iran
Probably Takht-e SoleymanIlkhanid dynasty (1256–1353), late 13th century
Star-Shaped Tile with Phoenix
Iran Probably Takht-e Soleyman →veraminIslamic (culture or style)earthenwareceramics
Date
Ilkhanid dynasty (1256–1353), late 13th century
Medium
Lusterware, fritware molded and painted in luster, blue, and turquoise over an opaque white glaze
Dimensions
21.2 × 21.8 × 1.2 cm (8 5/16 × 8 9/16 × 1/2 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Lucy Maud Buckingham Collection
Phoenixes were common motifs of Ilkhanid ceramics and regularly featured on eight-pointed star tiles. This tile features a phoenix with outstretched wings and a sweeping tail reserved against a luster ground. This tile's decoration is similar to tiles depicting phoenixes made for the Ilkhanid palace known as Takht-i Sulaiman, which was constructed in the 1270s. While the exact provenance of this tile is uncertain, the use of such designs at Takht-i Sulaiman provides an approximate date for this piece. Modern-day excavations of Takht-i Sulaiman have revealed thousands of tile fragments, which were once used as lavish ornamentation for palace walls that must have gleamed when light reflected their brilliant luster.