What documented Haft-rang tilework looks like
Reference photographs of documented Haft-rang tilework pieces, credited to their sources. Compare construction, surface and wear with any piece you are offered — a resemblance is not proof of origin.
Haft-rang tilework at a glance
| Persian name | کاشی هفترنگ |
| Category | Ceramics · Architectural tile |
| Main techniques | — |
| Typical materials | clay |
| Places of making | isfahan, kashan, yazd |
| Current vitality | Living tradition |
Understanding Haft-rang tilework
What Haft-rang tilework is and how it is made
Definition
Haft-rang means seven colours, a conventional rather than exact count. The design is painted across whole square tiles which are then laid as a grid, in contrast to mosaic faience where each colour is a separately cut piece.
History
The method became widespread in the Safavid period, when the scale of building programmes made cut mosaic impractical for every surface. Kashan's earlier reputation in ceramics is preserved in the Persian word for tile, kashi.
Technique
Tiles are pressed and biscuit-fired, painted with pigments that mature at a lower temperature than the body, then fired again. Colours that would run together at higher temperatures can coexist on one tile.
General background on the craft, not a statement about any individual object; dates and attributions summarise common positions in the literature and remain under review. Read the full Haft-rang tilework entry.
Before you buy: what to inspect
- Most architectural craft is seen in place; portable panels and tiles are the exception.
- Look for hand-cut edges and slight variation between pieces.
- Check tiles and panels for chips, cracks and old mortar or plaster on the back.
Typical materials: clay.
Red flags: copies and 'Persian style' imports
- Tiles or panels claimed to come from historic buildings (removal may be illegal).
- Printed or decal-decorated tiles sold as hand-painted or hand-cut work.
A genuine Haft-rang tilework piece should come with a named place of making in Iran (often isfahan, kashan, yazd) and a clear statement that it is handmade.
Questions to ask the seller
- Where does this piece come from?
- Is it newly made or salvaged?
- Can it legally be exported?
What affects the price
| Hand-cutting or hand-painting |
| Size |
| Workshop |
| Age and documented provenance |
Care and cleaning
- Dust gently; avoid acidic cleaners on glaze and plaster.
- Mount securely on a solid wall.
Storage
- Store flat and padded.
Shipping
Heavy and fragile — use crates and insurance.
Illustrative examples in the archive
- Haft-rang Tile Panel · Illustrative example · not for sale here
Disclaimer
This guide is educational. It cannot confirm that any particular object is genuine, old or valuable. For important purchases, ask an independent specialist. Read the full Haft-rang tilework entry.