Cross-Shaped Tile

Luster cross tile with human figures

This cross tile was probably combined with large eight-pointed star tiles, such as 40.181.1, to form a panel since its shape, style of painting, and size fits well with them. This is among the earliest surviving cross-shaped tiles. The tile includes pairs of confronted, seated figures with halos, painted in reserve. The background pattern is formed by scrolls scratched into the luster ground; the same treatment is visible on the men's robes; and small flying birds and leaves are painted in reserve in the background. The border inscription on this cross-shaped tile is missing. As a matter of fact, it is usually present only on the star tiles that are combined on a panel with the cross-shaped tiles.

[Carboni and Tomoko Masuya 1993]

[ Khalil Rabenou, New York, by 1963–64; sold to MMA]

Asia Society. "Iranian Ceramics," May 3, 1963–September 12, 1963, no. 68.

New York. Hagop Kevorkian Fund Special Exhibitions Gallery, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Persian Tiles," May 4, 1993–January 2, 1994, no. 8b.

Wilkinson, Charles K. Iranian Ceramics. New York: Asia House Gallery, 1963. no. 68, pp. 8, 133, ill. (b/w).

Grube, Ernst J. "The Art of Islamic Pottery." Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin vol. 23, no. 6 (February 1965). pp. 221–22, ill. fig. 22 (b/w).

Carboni, Stefano, and Tomoko Masuya. Persian Tiles. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1993. no. 8b, p. 13, ill. (b/w).