Star-Shaped Tile c. 1256 - 1353

This luster-painted star tile, of unknown date and origin, features a delightful dance of flora and fauna. The eight-pointed star itself is a potent symbol, found across cultures—a cosmic diagram representing order and balance. Within this frame, observe the stylized plants and animals. This "tree of life" motif is an ancient one, stretching back to Mesopotamia. It sprouts here from a vessel, flanked by two lambs, symbols of innocence and sacrifice. These motifs aren't confined to this tile. We see echoes in medieval tapestries, Renaissance paintings, and even modern designs. The lamb, for instance, has journeyed through time, from sacrificial offering to a symbol of Christ. Consider how these symbols stir something within us. The tree, the animals—they tap into a primal memory, a longing for harmony with nature. This tile is more than mere decoration. It's a vessel carrying cultural memory through generations.