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A rectangular 10th to 12th century Persian sgraffito ceramic tile fragment featuring an incised cream-colored rearing lion or mythical beast against a dark slip background, surrounded by stylized birds and a textured tree canopy, showcased in a simple wooden frame.
Rare 10th–12th Century Persian Sgraffito Ceramic Tile Fragment
$4,000.00
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Rare 10th–12th Century Persian Sgraffito Ceramic Tile Fragment

Step back into the golden age of medieval Islamic art with this exceptional Persian sgraffito ceramic tile, dating from the 10th to the 12th century (Seljuk/Garrus period). This remarkable piece showcases the highly sophisticated slip-carving technique where intricate designs are scratched through a light-colored slip to reveal the dark clay body underneath, creating a striking, high-contrast graphic effect.

Iconography & Masterful Craftsmanship

The tile features a captivating, dynamic composition rooted in ancient Persian mythology and nature:

  • The Central Figure: A beautifully stylized, rearing quadruped—evoking a lion or a mythical beast—rendered with expressive contours, textured cross-hatching, and traditional anatomical markings.

  • Avian & Floral Motifs: Surrounding the central beast are elegant birds in mid-flight and nested within a stylized tree or foliage canopy, a classic representation of the "Tree of Life" or paradise gardens common in Islamic pottery.

  • The Sgraffito Technique: The dramatic interplay of the creamy white slip against the deep, dark slip background gives the scene an incredible sense of depth and movement, characteristic of the finest Garrus or Aghkand ware.

Historical Significance

During the 10th to 12th centuries, Persian potters revolutionized ceramic art. This specific style of sgraffito represents a bridge between pre-Islamic Persian artistic traditions and the blossoming design sensibilities of the early Islamic medieval period. It serves as an invaluable artifact for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of Near Eastern antiquities.

Technical Specifications

  • Origin: Persia (Iran), likely Garrus or Nishapur region

  • Period: 10th – 12th Century (Medieval Islamic / Seljuk Period)

  • Material: Earthenware with carved slip (Sgraffito technique)

  • Condition: Excellent historical state with beautiful age-related crazing and a stable, professionally framed presentation that preserves its ancient edges.

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