Syria.
A stone paste tile decorated in underglaze blue and black outline with a design of a central palmette encircled by stylised lotus with intertwining tendrils, a pair of floral quadrants at diagonally opposite corners. This tile is similar to others from the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem that were part of the refurbishment of the mosque in the mid 16th century ordered by Suleyman the Magnificent between 1545 and 1552. Following the completion of the work, the craftsmen responsible for the Dome of the Rock restoration dispersed and thus the design was probably carried to other Ottoman provinces. This blue and white version can also be found on the adjacent Qubbat al-Silsileh and on the Beit Jamblat in Aleppo.
16th century
6.5 x 7.75 in. {16.5 x 19.7 cm.}
c.f. Porter, V., Islamic Tiles, pub. Interlink Books, 1995. p.104, plate 92.
Condition: Minor edge chipping, glaze slightly scratched.
Please note: There are additional, similar examples of this tile available.