Tile Late 13th/early 14th century

This 13th/14th century tile, made by an anonymous artist, is an example of Islamic art. The tile is made of turquoise glazed ceramic with incised calligraphy in black. It is a striking example of the use of calligraphy as an art form in Islamic cultures and is an example of the high level of craftsmanship during this period. The inscription is in Arabic and the tile likely served as part of a larger decorative scheme, possibly within a mosque or palace. This tile can be found at the Art Institute of Chicago.