Throughout the past, great civilizations have decorated their constructions with sumptuous paintings and tiles. Many remarkable examples survive today from the wall paintings and mosaics of Pompeii to the glazed tiles of the Ishtar Gate from Babylon. This Assyrian glazed brick tile is such an artifact that would have adorned the walls of a temple or palace structure. The tradition of glazed terracotta brick as adornments began in southern Iran in the 13th century B.C. This tile depicts a prowling sphinx, the mythological composite creature with the body of a lion, the wings of a bird, and the head of a woman. Imagine the walls of a room covered with such brilliant imagery. The blue, yellow, and green hues would have been that much more intense. No doubt the effect would have been phenomenal.
- (PF.5682)
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