Definition
A ceramic decoration in which metallic oxides are painted onto a glazed surface and fired in a reducing kiln to produce a metallic sheen, associated especially with Kashan.
History
Kashan lustre tiles and vessels of the 12th–14th centuries are among the most closely studied Iranian ceramics; signed and dated pieces anchor much of the chronology.
Dates and attributions here summarise common scholarly positions and are under editorial review; they are not definitive.
Technique
A glazed and fired stonepaste body is painted with a silver-and-copper compound, then refired at a lower temperature with restricted oxygen so a thin metallic film forms.
Collecting and identification
Lustre wears easily; restoration, overpainting and composite tile panels are common in older collections.
This guidance is educational only and is not an authentication or valuation service.
Reference samples
The reference samples on this page are documented objects in public collections, shown with their holding institution's attribution and licence. They illustrate the craft and are not for sale.
Gallery
Images are representative examples, not evidence for the sample marketplace records. Their sources and permission status are listed in the photography credits.
Marketplace
No objects of this craft are currently listed.
Reference samples in collections
Documented objects from museums, archives and auction records, shown for study. Not for sale; attributions are the holding institution's, not CraftPersia's.
Wall Tile
1300s
fritware with luster-painted design
Cleveland Museum of Art · 1915.638 · CC0 (museum open access)
Luster Wall Tile with a Couple
1266
fritware with luster-painted design
Cleveland Museum of Art · 1915.524 · CC0 (museum open access)
Luster Dish with Seated Prince
1170–1220
fritware with luster-painted design
Cleveland Museum of Art · 1951.289 · CC0 (museum open access)
Luster Dish with Polo Player
1170–1200
fritware with luster-painted design
Cleveland Museum of Art · 1944.74 · CC0 (museum open access)
Sources & references
- Book: Wulff, H. E. The Traditional Crafts of Persia. MIT Press, 1966.
- Museum catalogue: Cleveland Museum of Art, Open Access collection records for Iranian objects (accessed 2026-09-24).
Where origins, dates or symbolism are contested, this entry states the competing readings rather than choosing between them. Editorial analysis is not presented as documented fact.