Tile fragment

This shard was reportedly found in East Java. Imported tiles from Vietnam have also been found at Majapahit centres in East Java, where they were used as architectural decoration. Vietnamese tiles can still be seen on the walls, minarets, and gates of the mosques at Demak and Kudus for example. The rich cobalt blue, glassy glaze and gritty ceramic body suggest that this tile was made in West Asia. Cobalt-blue pigment was used in West Asia as early as the ninth century and must have continued to be used on decorative tiles, in response to demand from overseas markets such as the Majapahit courts during the 15th century.

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Tile fragment

Tile fragment

Tile fragment

Tile fragment