Mihrab: Prayer Niche
Mihrab, 1354 Iranian; Attributed to Isfahan, Iran. Mosaic of monochrome-glaze tiles on composite body set on plaster; 135 1/16 x 113 11/16 in. (343.1 x 288.7 cm). Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1939 (39.20). www.metmuseum.org.
The most important element of a mosque is the mihrab; the niche the points in the direction of Mecca. It is decorated with great care because it functions as the focal point in prayer rituals.