Luster in Turkish Islamic period tile art investigation of the technique and applications

Luster, which literally means shimmering, is a tile technique that can be applied in and on the glaze, taking its name from its iridescent, metallic shiny appearance. In another definition, it is an iridescent shiny surface effect that is formed on the form in a few microns by the reduction of mineral salts (silver, copper, etc.) with flammable substances at low temperature in the furnace oxygen. The technique, which was initially applied by the Egyptian glass masters, was later applied with admiration by the pottery masters due to its different shiny appearance. Luster, which parallels the acceptance of Islam, was first seen on items of daily use. Later, it was used as a covering ceramic in religious and civil architecture. Luster (clay-paste) in Turkish-Islamic Ceramics was used for the first time in Iraq, then in Iran, during the Great Seljuks, Ilkhanate and Safavid periods, and high quality beautiful works emerged. Although the technique continued to be produced until the Anatolian Seljuk period, different tile techniques were applied, the luster (clay-paste) technique was not applied during the period of the principalities and the Ottoman Empire. It is thought that the metal salts used in the necessity of a custom-made furnace for the application of the technique are expensive and difficult to reach in every period, causing artists and craftsmen to move away from this technique. In this thesis, Luster (clay-paste) tiles in Turkish-Islamic Ceramics and today's applications are discussed. In this study, the form, design, decor, techniques and methods of Luster tiles in Turkish Islamic Ceramics were analyzed, Anatolian Seljuk luster tiles and their examples seen in our country were investigated. In addition, the artists who applied the luster technique from the past to the present were examined and their works were given with examples. With the research done, it is aimed to contribute to the Traditional Turkish Arts Tile Art by making luster application in today's conditions and to create a resource for tile artists.