Tile
1727 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The main device on this tile is painted under the glaze and is formed from names. They are those of God, the Prophet Muhammad, and the Prophet's first four successors, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali.
Sunni Muslims honour all four successors. Shi'ite Muslims believe Ali was Muhammad's only rightful successor. The device on this tile therefore marks the Ottoman dynasty’s adherence to Sunni Islam.
Sunni Muslims honour all four successors. Shi'ite Muslims believe Ali was Muhammad's only rightful successor. The device on this tile therefore marks the Ottoman dynasty’s adherence to Sunni Islam.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Fritware painted under the glaze |
| Brief description | Tile with a design made up of calligraphy spelling out the names of God, Muhammad, and the Four Righteous Caliphs, Turkey (probably Istanbul), 1727. |
| Physical description | Fritware tile, painted under the glaze. The main motif is a calligraphic pattern formed from the names of God, the prophet Muhammad and the first four caliphs, Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman and 'Ali. The combination indicates an allegiance to Sunni Islam, as the legitimacy of Abu Bakr, 'Umar and 'Uthman is rejected by Shi'ites. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label |
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| Summary | The main device on this tile is painted under the glaze and is formed from names. They are those of God, the Prophet Muhammad, and the Prophet's first four successors, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali. Sunni Muslims honour all four successors. Shi'ite Muslims believe Ali was Muhammad's only rightful successor. The device on this tile therefore marks the Ottoman dynasty’s adherence to Sunni Islam. |
| Bibliographic reference | Tim Stanley (ed.), with Mariam Rosser-Owen and Stephen Vernoit, Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Middle East, London, V&A Publications, 2004
p.60 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1756-1892 |
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| Record created | October 20, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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