Tiles such as these were produced in mass quantities to cover entire walls as well as smaller decorative panels and alcoves. Interior and exterior walls at private homes, mosques, and other public buildings and baths featured durable, bright tiled surfaces. The tiles seen here are similar to those at the tomb of Mohi al-Din Arabi as well and the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria. American decorator Lockwood de Forest probably acquired these tiles, as well as the carved wood panels that formed the front side of storage chests, on trips to Syria in 1875–1876 and 1881–1882. A major proponent of Orientalism (the historic term denoting a fascination with all things “eastern” as understood by Europeans and Americans in the late 19th century), de Forest sold decorative elements out of his New York shop. He often placed tiles along with carved wood elements in interiors that he designed for his clients. In Baltimore, de Forest’s clients included Mary Garrett, whose Mt. Vernon townhouse was the BMA’s first location when it opened to the public in 1922. Elements of de Forest’s ornate interiors remain in Baltimore at The Engineer’s Club and at The Elephant restaurant.