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.
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.
Place of Origin
Istanbul, Turkey (probably, made)
Date
1727 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Fritware painted under the glaze
Dimensions
Height: 28 cm, Width: 37 cm
Descriptive line
Tile with a design made up of calligraphy spelling out the names of God, Muhammad, and the Four Righteous Caliphs, Turkey (probably Istanbul), 1727.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
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, plate 72
Exhibition History
Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Victoria and Albert Museum (The Millennium Galleries, Sheffield 14/01/2006-16/04/2006)
Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Victoria and Albert Museum (Setagaya Art Museum, Tokyo 01/10/2005-04/12/2005)
Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Victoria and Albert Museum (Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas 03/04/2005-04/09/2005)
Palace and Mosque: Islamic Art from the Victoria and Albert Museum (National Gallery of Art, Washington 18/07/2004-06/02/2005)
Labels and date
Tile with Calligraphy
Turkey, probably Istanbul
Dated 1727
The main device on this tile is formed from the names of God, the Prophet Muhammad, and the Prophet's first four successors, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali. All four are honoured by Sunni Muslims, but Shi'ites believe Ali was Muhammad's only rightful successor. The device thus marks the Ottomans' adherence to Sunni Islam.
Fritware painted under the glaze
Museum no. 1756-1892 [Jameel Gallery]
Categories
Ceramics; Tiles
Collection code
MES
