Antique 19th Century Qajar Cobalt Blue Islamic Calligraphy Ceramic Tile

Details

Description

An impressive 19th-century Qajar-period ceramic architectural tile, richly decorated in cobalt blue and white with monumental Arabic calligraphy, foliate ornament … Read more An impressive 19th-century Qajar-period ceramic architectural tile, richly decorated in cobalt blue and white with monumental Arabic calligraphy, foliate ornament and subtle green and manganese accents.

Dating to the Qajar period in Persia, circa 19th century, the large square tile measures approximately 12.25 inches × 12.25 inches × 1 inch and has considerable architectural presence. Its bold cobalt ground is divided into two horizontal calligraphic panels, each framed by molded borders and stylized floral corner motifs.

The inscriptions are executed in raised white script against the deep cobalt-blue ground, creating the dramatic contrast characteristic of Persian architectural ceramics. The upper panel appears to contain the traditional Bismillah, “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,” one of the most recognizable devotional formulas in Islamic calligraphy. The lower panel contains an additional Arabic inscription. Because historic calligraphic inscriptions can employ highly stylized or abbreviated letterforms, we recommend describing it simply as a devotional or religious inscription unless a specialist reading confirms the precise text.

The tile is molded and glazed, with a palette dominated by cobalt blue and white, accented by pale green, turquoise and darker outlining. Stylized foliate ornament and floral forms decorate the borders and corners, softening the strong geometry of the calligraphic composition.

Calligraphy occupies a central position within Islamic art and architecture. Rather than functioning merely as written information, script was transformed into an important decorative art form and incorporated into ceramics, metalwork, manuscripts and architectural surfaces. Persian tile makers were particularly accomplished at integrating calligraphy with saturated color and ornamental pattern.

During the Qajar dynasty (1789–1925), Persian ceramic production continued the country's long tradition of architectural tilework while developing a distinctive decorative vocabulary. Calligraphic tiles of this type could be incorporated into religious, civic and domestic architecture, where individual tiles formed part of larger decorative programs.

The substantial scale and saturated cobalt coloration make this example especially effective today as an individual Islamic decorative art object. Presented on a stand, incorporated into a custom frame or mounted appropriately on a wall, it would make a compelling addition to a collection of Persian ceramics, Islamic calligraphy, Middle Eastern architectural elements or antique tiles.

The tile displays old breaks and repairs, visible surface losses, glaze wear, crazing and irregularities consistent with its age and architectural history. These should be considered part of the object's antique character rather than concealed in the listing.

Dimensions: 12.25 in. H × 12.25 in. W × 1 in. D.

Period: 19th Century
Culture / Dynasty: Qajar
Style: Islamic / Persian / Qajar
Object Type: Architectural Tile / Calligraphic Tile
Materials: Glazed Ceramic / Earthenware
Techniques: Molded, Hand-Crafted, Glazed, Relief Decoration
Colors: Cobalt Blue, White, Green, Turquoise, Manganese
Decoration: Arabic Calligraphy, Foliate Ornament, Floral Motifs
Condition: Antique condition with repaired breaks, losses, crazing, glaze wear and age-related surface irregularities.

Antique Qajar tile, Persian Qajar ceramic tile, 19th century Persian tile, Islamic calligraphy tile, Arabic calligraphy ceramic, cobalt blue Persian tile, antique Islamic tile, Persian architectural tile, Qajar pottery, Islamic architectural ceramic, Middle Eastern antique tile, Persian blue and white pottery, Islamic ceramic art, antique Iranian tile, calligraphic wall tile, Persian decorative arts, Qajar dynasty ceramics, Islamic architectural element. See less