A TURQUOISE-GLAZED CARVED POTTERY NICHE TILE (MUQARNAS) Possibly Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Central Asia, late 14th - early 15th century Of vertical rectangular shape, bent in the middle and with an arched head, in the typical style of Timuridmuqarnas(honeycomb) architectural vaults, deeply carved withscrolling tendrils linking flowerheads, trefoils, lotus flowers and palmettes within a plain white border, 25cm high. Provenance: London private collection since early 1980s. Specifically associated with Islamic architecture,muqarnas is a well-known decorative method to achieve three-dimensional and highly ornate vaulting, thus avoiding to show the bare architectural infrastructure between the main bearing walls and a domed area. From the 12th century onward, muqarnas were typically used to decorate entrance portals and especially interior spaces in and around domes. In particular, in Iran and Central Asia, muqarnasvaults were achieved through the multiplication of several individually carved and moulded pottery tiles (often referred asalveolus), such as our example. The overall effect was breath-taking. For further similar examples, please see a tile preserved at the LACMA (M.2014.40), and other two tiles successfully sold at Christie's, 23 October 2007, lot 69 and at Sotheby's, 18 November 2013, lot 72.