Inserting and Combining. Stucco and Brick Tiles from the Ghaznavid Royal Palace (11th-12th c.) in Ghazni

Numerous isolated tiles in brick and stucco emerged from the excavation of the Ghaznavid royal palace in Ghazni (11th–12th century). The finding in situ of edgewise laid bricks’ panels with inserted stucco tiles allows inferring that they adorned the upper section of the antechambers opening onto the palace central courtyard. How brick tiles were combined with them is still to be explained. This preliminary note offers a typological classification of tiles presenting the variety of sizes and morphologies as well as of the decorative patterns. The combination of baked brick and stucco is largely attested since the late 10th century in the architectural decoration throughout the Iranian area. Nishapur and Lashkari Bazar represent inescapable sites for comparison.