Tehran – A rare and intricately decorated tile set of 17th-century Iranian Palace will be unveiled for the first time in 20 years later this month as part of a major new exhibition at V&A Dundee, Scotland.
Described as “stunning” by the curators, the remarkable tile panels date back to the reign of Shah Abbas II (1642–1666) of the Safavid dynasty and originally decorated the private hammam or bathhouse of Isfahan’s presently depicted Haftdust Palace.
Approximately 4.5 meters wide, the panels consisting of 114 individually painted tiles, featuring lush, ideal garden scenes rich in green and trees, surrounded by striking blue and yellow borders.
The artwork acquired by the National Museum of Scotland (NMS) in 1899 is being exhibited as part of V&A Dundee’s new exhibition Garden Futures: Design and Design. This will be open to the public on May 17th.
James Wylie, project curator for V&A Dundee, praised the tile panels as a “masterpiece” of Safavid Art. “This extraordinary tile panel in ancient Iran is a stunning embodiment of the garden as a symbol of power, paradise and cultural identity,” he said. “We are excited to be able to show it to V&A Dundee for the first time in over 20 years, following the meticulous conservation of our colleagues at the National Museum of Scotland.”
Wiley noted the detailed artistry of the tiles, including blue painted pomegranates, accurately rendered flower species, and climbing gourds intertwined around shaded trees. “This is one opportunity to experience the masterpieces of safavid art from a new perspective and consider how the gardens have always been a space of imagination, beauty and political expression,” he added.
The tile panels undergo groundbreaking maintenance work to restore the original design. For over a century, parents have removed overdose, lightened the weight of the mounting frame, allowing them to be safely transported and displayed.
Dr. Friedelike Voight, the leading curator of NMS’ West, South and Southeast Asian collections, emphasized the uniqueness of the work. “It’s beautifully painted, rich in symbolism, and offers a glimpse of the wonderfulness of the gardens at Haftdust Palace,” she said. “The massive conservation work revealed it in its glory. We are delighted to be on display for the first time in a generation as part of this major exhibition.”
Garden Futures: Design with Nature Exhibition aims to bring important moments in garden design history from the 20th century to the present on a “lighting journey.”
morning