Garden Gathering in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, September 2019

Title: Garden Gathering

Date: 1640–50

Geography: Attributed to Iran, probably Isfahan

Medium: Stonepaste; painted and polychrome glazed (cuerda seca technique)

Dimensions: Panel with tabs: H. 41 in. (104.1 cm)
W. 74 in. (188 cm)
D. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Wt. 400 lbs.
Each tile: H. 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm)
W. 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm)

Classification: Ceramics-Tiles

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1903

Accession Number: 03.9c

At the center of this scene, a lady leans on a bolster pillow and languidly holds out a filled cup. Making somewhat immodest eye contact with the viewer, she displays burn marks, associated with mystics and lovers, on her lower arms. A male figure in European dress and hat, perhaps a merchant, kneels before her. The other figures offer refreshments and conversation.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/455082