Star-Shaped Tile Ilkhanid dynasty (1256–1353), 13th century, dated c.1262

This star-shaped tile, made by an anonymous artist, presents a harmonious blend of geometric precision and fluid organic forms. The tile's eight-pointed star shape immediately draws the eye, its symmetry softened by the intricate floral patterns and calligraphy that adorn its surface. The design is bisected into a number of different shapes, each of which is filled with stylized floral and vegetal motifs. These elements, rendered in a delicate palette of earthy browns and creams, create a sense of depth and movement, inviting closer inspection. The border, inscribed with elegant calligraphy, frames the central design, adding a layer of cultural and intellectual depth. The contrast between the rigid geometry of the star and the flowing script highlights the interplay between structure and expression. Here, the tile challenges fixed meanings, serving as a site of ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.