Vintage Polychrome Persian Haft Rang Ceramic Tile - Hand-Painted Masterpiece

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Description

Step back in time with this stunning vintage Persian ceramic tile, a true testament to the rich artistic heritage of … Read more Step back in time with this stunning vintage Persian ceramic tile, a true testament to the rich artistic heritage of Iran. This exquisite piece, featuring a vibrant, hand-painted design, is more than just a decorative object; it is a fragment of history, a collectible work of folk art that brings the elegance and beauty of traditional Persian craftsmanship into your home. Perfect for a collector, an interior design project, or as a unique gift for an art lover.
This beautiful tile is crafted using the traditional "Haft Rang" (Seven-Color) technique, a method that revolutionized Persian tile work starting in the 15th century. Unlike earlier, labor-intensive mosaic methods, the Haft Rang technique allowed artisans to paint a full design on a single, square tile, which was then fired once. A key feature of this process is the fine black manganese line that outlines each color, preventing the vibrant glazes from running together during firing. This results in the crisp, detailed imagery you see here.
This particular tile's design likely dates to the early 20th century, a period often associated with the Qajar dynasty when tile artistry reached new heights of expressiveness and color. The motifs depicted on this piece, such as the elegant bird and intricate floral patterns, are deeply symbolic in Persian culture, representing themes of nature, paradise, and life. The tile’s glazed surface captures and reflects light, showcasing a rich palette of blues, turquoise, greens, yellows, and browns.
The tile is made from a terracotta clay body, a durable and classic base for this type of ceramic art. The glaze is a polychrome, lead-based mixture, which gives the colors their distinctive luster and depth.
Technique: Each element of the design was meticulously hand-painted with glazes that were fired at different temperatures, creating a layered and complex visual effect. The outlining in manganese ensures the longevity and clarity of the intricate patterns.
As a genuine vintage piece, this tile shows minor signs of age and wear, which only add to its authentic charm and character. Please refer to the photos for a detailed view of its condition.
The glazed surface is in excellent condition, with minor crazing (fine lines in the glaze) that is typical for a piece of this age.
Back: The back of the tile may show remnants of mortar or adhesive, indicating it was once a functional part of a wall or a decorative frieze. See less