Decorative Arts

The manufacture of colorfully painted tiles has a long tradition in Persia, modern-day Iran. This publication focuses on so-called haft rang (seven colors) tiles from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. During this time, the art of making tiles experienced a revival, starting in the city of Shiraz and initiated primarily by unknown artists who wanted to preserve and carry on their country's traditions. Their vibrantly colored tiles, with underglaze, decorated private homes, as well as public and religious buildings. The tiles are characterized by a wealth of pictorial elements, with floral motifs as well as motifs from traditional Persian folktales. Social change and a disregard for Iranian architecture and traditions at the beginning of the twentieth century led to the destruction of many old town quarters and to the disappearance of this impressive art. Hadi Seif visited the direct descendants of the tile makers and presents his findings in this book.