Multi – Analytical Characterization of XVII Century Mughal Glaze Tiles from Northern India (original) (raw)
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Characterization of 17th Century Mughal tile glazes from Shahdara Complex, Lahore-Pakistan
Journal of Cultural Heritage, 2013
The glazed tile decorative art was one of the widely used ornamental techniques for the monumental buildings during the Mughal period, in Pakistan. Coloured tile samples from Jahangir tomb were analyzed to know the glaze composition and to identify the colouring phases used at that time. The study was performed using light microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (SEM-EDS), Raman spectroscopy (RS) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). These complementary analytical techniques allowed characterizing the samples as alkali glazes made from plant ashes. The results indicated the use of lead-tin yellow type II for yellow glazes, cobalt and copper for blue glazes, mixtures of yellow and blue glazes for the green glazes, manganese for purple glazes, and a transparent glaze layer for white glazes.
The composition and production of pre-modern glazed tiles in Pakistan are not well understood. Here, 38 glazed tile samples sourced from various monuments at Makli Hill and Lahore Fort in Pakistan, dating mainly from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries CE, were investigated with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry for a comprehensive technological study to understand the methods used in their production. The analyses were supplemented by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to more fully characterise the raw materials used for the glazes. The Makli tile bodies are composed of clay-based ceramic whereas those from Lahore are stonepaste. Both are coated with soda-lime-silica glazes made using plant ash. Cobalt, copper, lead‑tin yellow and lead‑tin orange are identified as the glaze colorants. White glazes do not have an added opacifier or colorant, but are white due to the presence of an underlying layer of silica particles. Technological variations between the Makli and Lahore tiles are highlighted in the discussions, the former found to resemble traditional kashi ware of Sindh-Multan in their make-up, while the latter matches Mughal tile-work that prevailed for a while locally in the seventeenth century.
Archaeometry
Coloured tiles from two northern Indian monuments were analysed for their body and glaze composition. The results suggest that three different groups of tiles were used, all comprising a stonepaste body with alkali glaze. One group has strong similarities to a major Indian glass group, known as high alumina mineral natron glass, while the other two are similar to Western and Central Asian plant ash glazes, although with much lower lime content. The colorants conform with those usually employed in pre-modern glazes, with lead-tin yellow Type I and Type II for opaque yellow, copper blue-turquoise, cobalt blue, manganese purple, and green through mixing of lead-tin yellow and copper blue.
Journal of Archaeological Science, 2014
Glazed tiles were employed by the Mughals for the decoration of their monuments in northern India over the sixteenth and seventeenth century. The character and composition of thirty tile samples from Mughal buildings at Delhi, in northern India, were investigated by EPMA-WDS and SEM-EDS. Analysis shows that the tiles have stonepaste bodies, indicating that they form part of the family of Islamic ceramics. The glaze layers are determined to have local characteristics, through comparisons with traditional Indian glass compositions. A local source for the cobalt oxide used to colour dark blue coloured glazes has been suggested. Overall, the study considers the impact of an imported luxury/high status technology on local traditions, and how the two converge to develop a new chaîne operatoire which has aspects of Islamic and indigenous technologies.
Tradition and indigeneity in Mughal architectural glazed tiles (Gill et al 2014, JAS 49)
Journal of Archaeological Science 49, 2014
Glazed tiles were employed by the Mughals for the decoration of their monuments in northern India over the sixteenth and seventeenth century. The character and composition of thirty tile samples from Mughal buildings at Delhi, in northern India, were investigated by EPMA-WDS and SEM-EDS. Analysis shows that the tiles have stonepaste bodies, indicating that they form part of the family of Islamic ceramics. The glaze layers are determined to have local characteristics, through comparisons with traditional Indian glass compositions. A local source for the cobalt oxide used to colour dark blue coloured glazes has been suggested. Overall, the study considers the impact of an imported luxury/high status technology on local traditions, and how the two converge to develop a new chaîne operatoire which has aspects of Islamic and indigenous technologies.
Archaeometry
We describe the historical appearance, composition and texture of a little-known orange pigment in 17th-century northern India. The pigment shares similarities with lead–tin yellow type II, but has between 6 and 7 wt% zinc oxide instead of silica as a minor element in its structure, in addition to the dominant lead and tin oxide. The consistency of its occurrence and composition across several important and highly decorated monuments and relatively wide chronological and geographical ranges of use indicate the controlled and intentional production of this pigment. We propose to use the name lead–tin orange for this material, indicating its similarity to lead–tin yellow but highlighting its independent character and distinct colour.
Archaeometry, 2011
Coloured tiles from two northern Indian monuments were analysed for their body and glaze composition. The results suggest that three different groups of tiles were used, all comprising a stonepaste body with alkali glaze. One group has strong similarities to a major Indian glass group, known as high alumina mineral natron glass, while the other two are similar to Western and Central Asian plant ash glazes, although with much lower lime content. The colorants conform with those usually employed in pre-modern glazes, with lead-tin yellow Type I and Type II for opaque yellow, copper blue-turquoise, cobalt blue, manganese purple, and green through mixing of lead-tin yellow and copper blue.
The production of the tiles in Ottoman Empire had begun as a continued workshop of Seldjuk ceramic art, and after this initial phase, its own technology was introduced into Ottoman art by local craftsmen. Iznik tiles are among the most appreciated pottery masterpieces, and wall decoration in tiles is a significant asset of Unesco World Heritage Edirne mosques. Rare glaze composition studies have been made, which justify the need for more comprehensive studies. We present here the first on-site elemental analyses performed with portable XRF instrument in four of the most representative mosques in Edirne (Şah Melek Paşa (1429), Muradiye (1435–1436), Üç Şerefeli (1410–1447) and Selimiye (1569–1575)). A handheld 785 nm Raman spectrometer was used as a complementary technique to identify some pigments. About forty tiles have been analysed in this research. Additionally, two tiles from Yeşilce Mosque (1442, Edirne) have been analysed at the Selimiye Foundation Museum. The weight percent of the elements measured with pXRF are normalized by Si amount in order to eliminate the variation due to the positioning shifts. Different glazing technologies are evidenced (Master of Tabriz Sn-free glazed tiles, Hünkar Mahfili Sn-poor glazed tiles, and Sn-(Bi) rich ones). At least three different cobalt ores have been used (with characteristic Cu, Ni, Mn and Bi content) in blue decors. Use of a chromium-based ore is demonstrated for some Selimiye Hünkar Mahfili tiles. The link between Şah Melek Paşa and polychrome (mihrab) Muradiye tiles and Seldjuk production is established. On the contrary, the technology of Üç Şerefeli and blue-and-white Muradiye tiles is unique and appears a precursor of 16th-century Iznik production. Bismuth, Sn/Pb, Co/Mn, and Co/Ni ratio appears very useful to compare the different glazes and to identify mining sources of cobalt.
Archaeometry, 2014
We describe the historical appearance, composition and texture of a little-known orange pigment in 17th-century northern India. The pigment shares similarities with lead–tin yellow type II, but has between 6 and 7 wt% zinc oxide instead of silica as a minor element in its structure, in addition to the dominant lead and tin oxide. The consistency of its occurrence and composition across several important and highly decorated monuments and relatively wide chronological and geographical ranges of use indicate the controlled and intentional production of this pigment. We propose to use the name lead–tin orange for this material, indicating its similarity to lead–tin yellow but highlighting its independent character and distinct colour.
Geochemical studies of the ancient Indian glazed ware
The ancient Indian glazed pottery, which is often terme d as northe rn black polishe d ware (NBPW), has a high lustrous finishing and it is closely related to the second urbanization in the Indian subcontine nt. In this communication, an atte mpt has been made to review previous research relate d to manufacturing technology, especially the surface gloss and firing process, using SEM and EDS technique s. The objective of this communication is to address some of the proble ms relating to technological competence thus achieved at that point of time. NBPW was a specialized craft in ancie nt India, the competence of which gradually evolve d.