Wall Tiles

Name/Title

Wall Tiles

Entry/Object ID

54

Acquisition

Accession

1891.001

Source or Donor

Anthony J. Drexel, Philadelphia

Acquisition Method

Gift

Credit Line

Gift of Anthony J. Drexel

Source (if not Accessioned)

Anthony J. Drexel, Philadelphia

Made/Created

Artist

Unidentified

Place

City

Damascus

Country

Syria

Region

Middle East

Continent

Asia

Dimensions

Height

32-1/4 in

Width

12-5/8 in

Depth

1-3/4 in

Material

Earthenware, tin glaze

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Exhibition Label

Label

Damascus was a center for ceramic production after 1259 BCE. Syrian ceramics were highly influenced by those of Persia but have a thicker glaze that tends to pool in areas. These particular tiles are from the Mihrab, or place of prayer within a private home.

Label Type

Exhibition Label

Label

The decorative arts of Exoticism were highly eclectic, including porcelains with motifs such as sphinxes and obelisks, brass objects with densely patterned decoration and tiles decorated in turquoise, blue and green. Most of the pieces were imported, but as the style gained popularity manufacturers in Europe started to create decorative pieces inspired by non-Western cultures. #1640 A, B, 515, 895, 516, 54