Hexagonal Tile

Art Historical Context

This exquisite hexagonal tile, crafted in the 15th by an unknown artist, exemplifies the refined artistry of Islamic ceramics. Made from stonepaste—a composite of quartz, clay, and glass frit—this medium allowed artisans to mimic the translucency of Chinese porcelain, which was highly prized but unavailable in the Islamic world. The underglaze painting technique involved applying pigments directly onto the unfired body before glazing and firing, ensuring vibrant, durable colors that withstood centuries use. Featuring delicate leaf motifs, as suggested by its tags, the tile reflects the Islami...