Tile Lunette

This tile lunette exemplifies the fine craftsmanship of ceramicists working in the western Anatolian town of Iznik during the second half of the sixteenth century. It may have originally rested above a window or doorway at the Palace of Piyale Pasha or the Piyale Pasha Mosque, both in Istanbul. It is also possible that the tiles were extras, routinely produced in Iznik.

Over the later part of the sixteenth century, Iznik tile makers gradually incorporated into their palette green, purple, and, finally, the red used here to such great effect.The white background, difficult to achieve in such purity, was a way for the ceramicists to show off their mastery, and worked particularly well in wall facings.