Panel from a mihrab
Date:
Early fourteenth century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Iran
Medium:
Lusterware,
Stonepaste
Dimensions:
66.4 × 59 × 10.7 cm
Description:
This lusterware ceramic panel from the upper part of a mihrab was created by molding stonepaste and then glazing it to create the effect of iridescence. The congregation in the mosque would have faced in the direction of the mihrab to pray—and by extension in the direction of Mecca. The foliate ornament appears in relief, as does the inscription from the Qur'an (sura 11, verse 114):
In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Perform prayer morning and evening, and in the watches of the night. Behold, good works and drive away evil.
It was created in Iran, probably in Kashan, during the Ilkhanid dynasty (1256–1353).
In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Perform prayer morning and evening, and in the watches of the night. Behold, good works and drive away evil.
It was created in Iran, probably in Kashan, during the Ilkhanid dynasty (1256–1353).
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
9
Repository and Online Resources:
• This panel is now in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art (Freer Gallery of Art) in Washington, DC.
