Tile with Niche Design 1430 - 1481

This tile with Niche Design was created by Nusrat al-Din Muhammad using fritware and painted underglaze. The term “fritware” refers to ceramics made from ground glass, clay, and quartz. The tile’s surface is divided into sections with a central panel, framed by borders of inscriptions. The central panel contains an arched niche design filled with floral patterns and stylized vegetal forms, painted in blues and browns. The inscription bands contain religious verses. The tile-making process involves mixing the fritware components, shaping the tile, applying the design, glazing, and firing. This required skilled artisans who understood the properties of the materials and the firing process. The tile is not just a functional object; it is a demonstration of refined taste and skill, connecting to a wider social context of luxury and display. By understanding the material and the labor-intensive processes involved, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic achievements of the Islamic world.