Decorated ceramic tile. [Presumably Syria, Ottoman Empire, ca. 17th century].

Heavy wall tile, painted and glazed, in white, blue, turquoise and green. Centered with a dark-blue lobed cartouche enclosing a large arabesque with vegetal motifs, surrounded by white and green floral patterns.

Executed in the style characteristic of Damascus ceramics (or of Iznik ceramics, Turkey). Tiles of this type were used to decorate the walls of mosques and public buildings throughout the Ottoman Empire. The Dome of the Rock and its adjoining structures were likewise decorated with tiles of similar patterns. During the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566), the Dome of the Rock underwent major restoration, during which many of its tiles were replaced; in subsequent centuries, additional extensive renovations were carried out, replacing tiles, reinforcing the structure, and covering the Dome with gilt plates.

Set in a frame. Pencil inscription with Arabic numerals on verso of the wooden frame.

For identical tiles, see: Christie's, London, October 14, 2005, Lot 8; Museo d'Arte Orientale, Turin, item Isp/18.