An archaeological artistic study of two unpublished Persian ceramic tiles exhibited at the Tariq Rajab museum in Kuwait.

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor, Islamic Monuments Department, faculty of Archaeology, Fayoum University (EGYPT)

Abstract

Throughout the several Islamic ages, Iran remains at the forefront of nations in the manufacture of applied arts, especially ceramic artifacts of assorted forms. During the Qajar era (1193-1343 AH / 1779-1925 AD), Iran produced large quantities of ceramic tiles that were characterized by a variety of shapes and decorations, which were used in casing many buildings. This research is a descriptive study of two polychrome Qajar ceramic tiles placed under the transparent glaze currently exhibited at  Tariq Rajab Museum in Kuwait. This paper resulted in dating the two ceramic tiles depending on comparative studies, as well as applying the features of the art of certain ceramic school styles; the latter resulting in deducing the dating to the Iranian Qajar era, the 13th century AH 19th AD. Furthermore, the functional purposes of the two tiles were expounded resulting in understanding both the decorative and industrial styles, beside the pictorial subjects, and the decorative elements implemented on them
. The researcher recommends that the museum staff make explanatory cards for all the artifacts displayed in the museum. Some of the exhibits are without museum display cards, including the second tile from this study, taking into account the scientific and technical conditions that must be met in these cards in terms of size, font type, etc.
The researcher extends his sincere thanks and respect to Mr. Dr. Ziad Ragab - Director of the Museum for his approval to publish the two masterpieces, the subject of the study. The researcher also extends his sincere thanks and appreciation to the museum staff for their assistance to the researcher and providing him with information related to the study.

Keywords


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