PLATE IN BLUE AND PURPLE
Christian Middle Ages
PLATE IN BLUE AND PURPLE
Glazed ceramic.
Diameter: 23.7 cm. Height: 3.8 cm. Base diameter: 6.8 cm.
Late Medieval Christian. 15th century.
Origin
Calle Manuel María González 4. Jerez de la Frontera. Cádiz.
Description
Flat plate with very little curvature between body and brim. It is decorated with themes from the Islamic collection; pine needles, homs (trees of life), and a border with pseudo-epigraphy called “alafias” which divides the plate into two registers. Gothic elements cannot yet be seen in this example - these would become more frequent in more modern pieces. The motifs also show a skilful and relaxed brushstroke compared to later pieces, which display short, thick strokes. The plate was recovered alongside a set of gold Valencian pottery from the first half of the 15th century. All these facts seem to indicate one of the first known examples of this kind, which was to last until well into the 16th century. This product is attributed to the Seville pottery workshops in Triana. It is commonly found under the name “Isabela polychrome” after the site in the Caribbean where this type was first recognised.
Bibliography
- González Rodríguez, R. et alii. (2008): Carta Arqueológica Municipal de Jerez.1: El núcleo urbano. Junta de Andalucía, p.107.
