This talk examines the many ways in which Persian tilework has been packaged and interpreted between the field, museum, and photograph. At stake is a balancing act between prevailing narratives of world heritage and local and national histories, as well as the reconciliation of museum “objects” and their original architectural homes. Through this lecture, Dr. Overton highlights the circumstances that have informed the transformation and reception of Persian tiles over the last two centuries, including their documentation, plunder, preservation, exhibition, commodification, and most importantly, perception by the audience. Dr. Overton ultimately seeks to unglaze the study of Persian tilework by moving beyond pristine surfaces and illuminating contested, conditional, and at times even ugly histories.