Unknown Maker, Persian

For thousands of years, makers have ornamented architecture with motifs from the natural world. Tile design really flourished in what is now Syria and Iran beginning in the 1100s. Wall tiles arranged to form colorful patterns decorated the interiors and exteriors of religious buildings and wealthy households. Drawing from hunting scenes with spotted gazelles to tulips, hyacinths, and roses, tile designers created dazzling patterns. Copper-based turquoise, cobalt blue, manganese violet, antimony yellow, and other minerals provided colorful palettes.

—WC