Publication Date
Fourteenth century AD
Publication Place
-
National Archaeological Museum
Subject
Molten bronze, engraved, inlaid, and fire gilded.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الارتفاع: 18 سم؛ القطر الأعلى: 18 سم؛ القطر السفلي: 9.75 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
50888
Record ID
object;ISL;es;Mus01;10;ar
Library Location
National Archaeological Museum
Date
Fourteenth century AD
Notes
The ladle is a metal vessel with a handle, which was used in baths to spray hot marble tiles with water and produce the necessary steam. The opening was undoubtedly distorted by use; The decorative elements are outlined with circles lined with parchment. The engraving was also accomplished using two engravers, one sharp and the other soft. The abstract floral decoration was planned to fit the piece. The entire outer surface was covered with a decoration divided into bands defining an inscription band at the top, a frieze decorated with stems and palmettes, another band arranged in two circles and two lobed medallions, and finally, another frieze of spirals and palmettes. In the lower part, an inscription appears several times that reproduces the phrase “Eternal Bliss,” while in both medallions we read the following phrase: “Bliss and right, grace and the attainment of the goal”; One medallion presents a geometric layout: two reverse-extended spirals, above which rise fluctuating groups of stems and buds that form the background on which graceful cursive letters are engraved. The other medallion is less dense, and consists of a group of stems on top of which asymmetrical palmettes stand. The spaces between the medallions simplify the “tree” motif; The structure refers to the Persian world, which, starting from the twelfth century, revived Roman forms. This piece belongs to a type of household utensils used in some sophisticated circles and influenced by oriental styles, particularly popular in Andalusia.
Sample Text
Ángela Franco “Scoop” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;es;Mus01;10;ar
