AN IMPRESSIVE ARCHITECTURAL NICHE CLAD IN UNDERGLAZE-PAINTED POLYCHROME POTTERY TILES Iran, third quarter 20th century Of rectangular shape, with central concave mihrab-shaped niche with ogival arch, the interior clad with small cut tiles fitting the intricate pattern of the semi-vault, decorated with a triumph of dense interspersed arabesques, split palmettes, stylised lotus flowers and lush tendrils, the exterior decorated with a continuous white calligraphic band contoured in black against turquoise scrolling tendrils and cobalt blue ground, framing the niche with a ghazal (poem) about the Beloved, the back plain, 135.5cm x 113cm.