CALIPHAL ZAFA (BOWL) WITH STAG
Islamic Period
CALIPHAL ZAFA (BOWL) WITH STAG
Ceramic in green and manganese. Reverse with honey-yellow glazing. Flat base.
Diameter: 29 cm. Height: 7.3 cm. Base diameter: 18 cm.
Hispano-Muslim. 10th century.
Origin
Plaza de Belén. Jerez de la Frontera. Cádiz.
Description
From one of the most splendid periods in Muslim rule, this piece dates back to the 10th century during the Caliphate of Córdoba. Apparently given a symbolic or advertising role, it is luxury ceramic glazed in white and renowned for its colours, such as “green and manganese”. The magnificent realism of the central motif is very notable. Elegant and skilfully made, it comprises a stag in profile holding a branch in its mouth. The edge is decorated with secant semicircles filled in green and black alternately. This masterpiece can be ascribed to the Palatine workshops of Madinat al-Zahra due to its technique and stylistic features. It also illustrates the origins of the city of Jerez in the Islamic period.
Bibliography
- González Rodríguez, R. et alii (2008): Carta Arqueológica Municipal de Jerez.1: El núcleo urbano. Junta de Andalucía, p. 98.
