Hispano-Moresque Lustre Bowl, Late 17th/Early 18th Century

Ref: W752

£ 650

Price is subject to availability and market conditions.

Hispano-Moresque lustre bowl, late 17th/early 18th century, decorated with a large bird in flight, its wings outstretched and tail plumage streaming out behind, surrounded by palmate leaves with curling fronds, foliate sprigs and small florets, all encircled by a narrow band of scrolls to the rim.

Dimensions:

Diameter: 40cm. (13 3/4in.)

Condition:

Haircrack from rim to centre sealed with rivets.

Notes:

Designs incorporating birds and plants were popular choices for the Moorish potters in Spain who made Hispano-Moresque ware. Although early designs are more overtly Islamic, and can include inscriptions in Arabic and symbols such as the tree of life, the huge popularity of these wares and their increased production for wider consumption across Europe led to a fusion of Islamic and European design elements. The beautiful lustre effect is achieved by applying a tin glaze over a design traced in cobalt blue before the first firing, then brushing on a metallic pigment on top of the tin glaze before a second firing. This technique was perfected by Islamic potters; in part because the use of vessels made from precious metals at mealtimes was prohibited by the Hadiths (the record of the saying of the Prophet Muhammad).