Polychrome Tile Panel with Birds and Leopards
Date17th century
PeriodSafavid
MediumCeramic, polychrome pigments
Dimensions45 5/8 x 19 1/4 in. (115.9 x 48.9 cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Object number48.85.1
DescriptionThis panel is composed of ceramic tiles, painted with colorful, animated depictions of the natural world. A central cypress tree is brimming with perched birds and blooming plants. Tigers spring from leafy foliage, and eagles soar among wisps of Chinese-style clouds.Depictions of flora and fauna on yellow, white, or green ground are typical of the Safavid period (1501–1722 CE) when both religious and secular buildings were clad in brightly colored ceramic tile. During the Safavid period, Chinese porcelains were highly valued, and motifs inspired by Ming porcelain, such as stylized cloud bands and more naturalistic floral motifs, appeared in Safavid architectural design.
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17th century
17th century
17th century
17th century
17th - 18th century
17th century
18th - 19th century
18th - 19th century
16th century
