Tile panel

These hexagonal tiles are painted in cobalt blue on a white ground, a colour combination inspired by imported blue and white Chinese porcelain from the Yuan and Ming dynasties. This influence helped shape Mamluk ceramic production.
Peonies, lotuses, cypress trees and other vegetal motifs decorate each tile. Together they form a large hexagon pattern created by star-decorated tiles. The blue glaze blurred slightly during firing, giving the design a smeared effect. This is hallmark of Mamluk tilework. In the 15th century CE, both Damascus and Cairo were key centres of tile production. Tiles like these still cover the walls of the mosque and tomb of the Mamluk dignitary Ghars al-Din Khalil al-Tawrizi (d. 1430 CE) in Damascus, begun in 1423 CE. These blue and white Syrian tiles blend Islamic and Chinese designs, highlighting the increased trade links between eastern Mediterranean and China.