An Architectural element (Muqarnas)

Unknown artist

second half of 15th century

Earthenware, carved, moulded and painted with opaque turquoise glaze

Aga Khan Museum

A carved and glazed architectural element with intricate scrolling patterns in turquoise. A carved and glazed architectural element with intricate scrolling patterns in turquoise. This architectural element from Central Asia showcases muqarnas ornamentation, a three-dimensional honeycomb-like decoration executed in a variety of media—including stucco, brick, wood, stone, and earthenware—across the Islamic world from the 12th century onwards.[1] This elaborate example emphasizes the complexity of muqarnas ornamentation. Arranged around a vertical symmetrical axis and composed of twisted interlace with a lotus flower as its central design, it suggests the integration of Chinese decorative elements with the spiritual symbol