Qajar Tilework: The Art of Color and Pattern on the Wall

9 min read

Tilework is one of the most brilliant expressions of Persian architectural art, reaching a peak of refinement during the Qajar era. Floral and geometric motifs in turquoise and lapis blue, adorning the ivans and interior walls of the Sar-e Qabr Agha building, tell the story of the skill and taste of the master craftsmen of that time. Making a single tile — from preparing the clay and hand-painting the glaze to firing it in traditional kilns — was a slow process that depended on knowledge passed down through generations. During the complex's restoration, sections of this tilework were carefully repaired so their original splendor could be preserved for today's visitors. Seeing these patterns up close is an experience that transports art lovers straight into the Qajar era.