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IL Khanid Figural Tile Takht-e Soleiman Persia, circa 1270-75

Sotheby's Auctions » Arts of the Islamic World, including 20th Century Middle Eastern Paintings » lot 62

Sale L03220
A rare moulded `figural' tile
probably Takht-e Suleyman, Persia, circa 1270-75
London, Bond Street 3,000—4,000 GBP Session 1
30 Apr 03 10:30 AM
MEASUREMENTS
33.6 by 37.1cm.; 24.2 by 23.8cm.

DESCRIPTION
the moulded decoration heightened with lustre, cobalt blue and turquoise, the main frieze depicting a scene of two fighting warriors on horseback on a ground of scrolling tendrils, the upper frieze with striding beasts on a foliate ground; and another moulded tile, Kashan, Central Persia, 13th century, of rectangular form with a with a register of cursive calligraphy

Provenance
Formerly in the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Olsen, Guildford, Connecticut

The figural tile is closely comparable to a number of tiles made under the patronage of the Mongol ruler, Abaqa, for the restoration of the royal palace complex of Takht-e Suleyman. A fragmentary tile in the Iran Bastan Museum is decorated with the same scene and is probably form the same mould as this tile (London 1976, p.258-259, no.386). Other examples from the broader group are in the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Los Angeles County Art Museum (New York 2002, pp.97-99, figs.107-109, cat.nos.95, 97 and 96, respectively). The decoration chosen for the Ilkhanid restoration included sections of the Shahnama and depictions of some of the scenes described in the epic. This tile is most probably an example of the latter. The surface decoration, notably the lustre, has suffered from degradation due to persistent exposure to the elements as have many from this site.

A view of Takht-e Soleiman in West Azarbaijan province (ISNA Photo) For Further Reading:

Takht-e Soleiman historic complex is located 45 km away from Takab, West Azarbaijan. The complex is the remnants of a fortress home to Zoroastrian priests during the Arsacid and Sassanid dynasties, and was destroyed during the Moqol invasion. It has been built around a lake in the form of an oval structure and is enclosed by a stone wall.
The complex comprises a swimming pool, a prayer hall, gates, tall pillars, veranda, oath chamber, fire temples, hot mineral spring and fortifications. www.iran-daily.com

Guide to Rugs & Books

La Miniature En Orient

JBOC's Notes on the Bible

Southwest Asia Time Line

Thanks and best wishes,

J. Barry O'Connell Jr.

Persian Rugs the O'Connell Guides