Antique Chinese & Japanese PorcelainEuropean Ceramics & Works of Art
Hispano-Moresque lustre dish, 17th century, decorated to the centre with three abstract shapes against a dotted ground, enclosed within concentric rings and a chain-link band, the rim with a wider band of lustre; the reverse with three elliptical scrolls.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 19.2cm. (7 1/2in.)
Condition:
Pierced for hanging, wear to lustre
Notes:
Designs incorporating animals 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).
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