Semi-circular tile showing scene from the Qu'ran

Made in Iran, 1800s, this tile shows Yusuf appearing before the women on Memphis

EA1965.169

These tiles come from the story of Yusuf and Zulaikha in the Qur’an. This story originally derives from the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife in the Old Testament. In the Qur’an version the story is set in Memphis. The handsome Yusuf is a slave in the service of the wealthy Potiphar. His wife Zulaikha attempts unsuccessfully to seduce him.

Link to Downloadable version of this image.