The Seljuks, a Turkic dynasty, originated in the steppes north of the Caspian and Aral Seas. They converted to Islam at the end of the 10th century, conquered Iran, Iraq, Syria, and much of Anatolia, and ruled from ca. 1038–1307. Under sultans Alp Arslan (r. 1063–1072) and his son Malik Shah (r. 1072–1092) the empire reached its apogee, with Isfahan as its capital. By the end of the 11th century, internal conflicts fragmented  the empire, but the main branch of the Seljuk house, the so-called Great Seljuks, maintained control over Iran.

Beginning in the second half of the 12th century, the art of inlaying bronze and brass objects with precious metals flourished. Ceramic wares in this period demonstrate new techniques and the refinement of existing ones. Especially noteworthy are the works produced in the luster and mina’i techniques in the city of Kashan. The Seljuqs were also great patrons of architecture. They built an unprecedented number of Sunni madrasas throughout their territory. The “four-iwan” plan, with four vaulted halls (iwans) surrounding a central courtyard, became the most common design for mosques. Web resources here and here.

Mina’i Ware Bowl with Two Seated Figures. Kashan, Iran. Seljuk. Late 12th–early 13th c. Kuwait National Museum.