UK (London, The British Museum)

Neo-Assyrian Glazed Terracotta Tile of Ashurbanipal from the British Museum

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Date Created: Circa 7th century BCE (specifically during the reign of Ashurbanipal, c. 669–631 BCE). Period: The Late Neo-Assyrian Period (circa 911–609 BCE), an era representing the zenith of Assyrian imperial power, sophisticated palace wall decoration, and advanced ceramic glazing technology.

Palace Wall Revetment / Architectural Decoration: Functionally, such glazed terracotta tiles and bricks lined the throne rooms, gates, and courtyards of major Neo-Assyrian palaces (such as those at Nineveh), replacing or complementing stone reliefs with vibrant, waterproof colors. Symbol of Royal Magnificence: The rich polychromy and durability of glazed tiles projected the eternal permanence, divine favor, and supreme wealth of the Assyrian monarch.