ATAIFOR (BOWL) WITH EPIGRAPHIC MOTIF
Islamic Period
ATAIFOR (BOWL) WITH EPIGRAPHIC MOTIF
Ceramic made with cuerda seca technique (‘dry string’).
Maximum diameter: 28.5 cm. Height: 9 cm. Base diameter: 12.4 cm.
Hispano-Muslim. 11th–12th century.
Origin
Mesas de Asta. Jerez de la Frontera. Cádiz.
Description
Large bowl richly decorated by stamping technique, and cuerda seca technique. The inside displays a honey-coloured, green and white band of plant motifs framing the legend afiya (health) in Cufic characters. The origin of the cuerda seca technique is still a matter of discussion for experts. However, all indicators suggest that it began between the late 10th and early 11th century, becoming popular in the Taifa period. This ataifor in particular is of exceptional quality, with very well preserved glazing. It can be dated back to between the second half of the 11th century and first half of the 12th century by its formal characteristics: flat base, marked rim, slightly curved sides and ring in the base.
Bibliography
- Esteve, M. (1960): “Nuevo hallazgo de cerámica árabe en Mesas de Asta (Jerez)”. Al-Andalus Vol.25, pp. 200-203.
