A large Timurid mosaic tile fragment, Central Asia, late 14th/ early 15th Century

the stone section with fitted mosaic tile decoration, featuring letters from a monumental inscription, with a cobalt blue background, the ochre letters with dark brown within spaces, light blue foliate designs and white border and calligraphic lines

Carl Johan Lamm Collection, Sweden
Sotheby's, 30 April 1992, lot 93

Once broken and restored with associated overpainting and infill, fixed on mount, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This fragment evokes the sense of monumentality that was achieved through the use of tile mosaic or mosaic faience which reached its peak under Timurid patronage. Even though the script is only legible in parts, it may represent fragments of a Qur'anic verse.

The Gur-i Amir in Samarqand, Uzbekistan features a similar, complete frieze above the entryway to the foundation of Muhammad Sultan (illustrated in: Chuvin, P., and Degeorge, G., Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Paris, 2001, pp.14-15).