I find this antique Persian tile so beautiful. That blue! That green! That dynamic line between crooked elbow of one arm and hand of the other gripping the bow-like sword. I have long admired these sorts of tiles-- produced in the 18th and 19th century during the Qajar period in Persia--which very frequently feature hunters on horses like this one, executed in lush, vibrant color. I found this one at a recent estate sale in Weston, MA, which included many fine antiques. The front of the tile is executed in partial relief, enhancing the immediacy of the figures and giving them a bit of a sculptural quality.
While the tile shows its age in the form of scratches to the surface revealing the red clay below the glaze, and some crazing to the glaze itself, these are just on the surface and there are otherwise no chips or cracks--it remains a truly stunning piece!
It measures 7" tall x 7 1/4" wide x 3/4" deep.