Hispano-Moresque ware
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hispano-Moresque ware is a style of Islamic pottery created in Andalusia.
Around 711, the Moors conquered Spain. They introduced two ceramic techniques to Europe: glazing with an opaque white tin-glaze, and painting in metallic lusters. Málaga in southern Spain was particularly celebrated for its gold lustrewares in the 14th century; Valencia and its suburbs Manises and Paterna also became important centres. Barcelona was important at first for wares resembling the brown and green decorated pottery of Paterna and later for blue and luster like those of Manises. Hispano-Moresque ware is distinguished from the pottery of Christendom by the Islamic character of it decoration.[1]
Of Manises ware, Alan Caiger-Smith has written, "the sustained production of fine pieces at Manises during the years 1380-1430 is without parallel in the history of ceramics. Many of these vessels will keep their place among the world's finest pottery for ever, regardless of changes and outlook." [2]
Hispano-Moresque shapes of the fifteenth century included the albarello (a tall jar), luster dishes with coats of arms, made for wealthy Italians and Spaniards, jugs (some on high feet, the citra and the grealet), a deep-sided dish (the lebrillo de alo) and the eared bowl (cuenco de oreja).
The Moors were expelled from Spain in the early seventeenth century, but the Hispano-Moresque style survived in the province of Valencia. Later wares usually have a coarse reddish-buff body, dark blue decoration and luster.
[edit] References
- Caiger-Smith, Alan, Lustre Pottery: Technique, Tradition and Innovation in Islam and the Western World (Faber and Faber, 1985) ISBN 0-571-13507-2
- Caiger-Smith, Alan, Tin-glazed Pottery in Europe and the Islamic World: The Tradition of 1000 Years in Maiolica, Faience and Delftware (Faber and Faber, 1973) ISBN 0-571-09349-3
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- A Potted History of Hispano-Moresque
- Met Museum Parade Helmet in Hispano-Moresque Style
