Partial Niche-form Tile

Unknown artist

Tiles with applied columnar decoration, such as this one, often formed the lower portion of elaborate composite mihrab tile panels installed in religious structures during the Ilkhanid period. The prominent lotus flower motifs decorating this tile were likely adapted from similar floral forms in Chinese iconography. This tile is attributed to the second half of the 13th century, after the establishment of Ilkhanid rule in the region and the opening of continuous trade networks between Iran and China.