Qajar Dynasty, 1794-1925 AD. A rectangular white-glazed ceramic tile with polychrome glazed design; the central motif an elliptical frame in yellow with blue foliage enclosing a seated bearded figure with a staff, robed and capped, with smaller attendant behind holding a fan, executed in brown glaze with sun before the seated figure bearing a short calligraphic text; to the surround, fruit, vines and leaves in red, blue, green and brown. 7 kg, 49 cm (19 1/4"). Property of a London collector, acquired early 1960s. Tiles such as this were produced in the Iranian city of Shiraz. The scene shows an Achaemenid ruler seated on a throne with an attendant standing behind and holding a fan over the king's head. The fashion for tiles displaying Achaemenid scenes occurred mostly in the late 19th century when there was a revival of interest in the past as archaeologists were uncovering a large number of ancient sites with important art work.

Fine condition, restored.