Publication Date
Mid-4th/10th century; 324 – 366 / 936 – 976
Publication Place
-
National Archaeological Museum
Subject
pride; fast wheel; something; green and manganese; Sparkling. - Professionals of Medina Al-Zahra (Cordoba).
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الارتفاع: 7 سم؛ القطر: 22 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
63031
Record ID
object;ISL;es;Mus01;2;ar
Library Location
National Archaeological Museum
Date
Mid-4th/10th century; 324 – 366 / 936 – 976
Notes
This spectrum, with a circular base and curved sides, is made of yellowish paste and painted with white paint. The inner side shows decoration in green and manganese; The decorative motif consists of a large circular border surrounding the edge of the plate, above which we can notice the remains of a Kufic inscription that reproduces the phrase “the king.” The decoration is completed by two narrower borders intersecting in the center with abstract designs, which appear to be a simplification of Kufic writing, but remain meaningless. The decorative technique used, consisting of linear shapes of copper green and manganese black, over white paint, gave a beautiful color effect; Medina Al-Zahra was the most important center for the production of pottery coated with green lacquer and manganese, and its spread during the period of the Caliphate. From a decorative standpoint, the clarity of the drawing and the simplicity of the formations, with undecorated background areas, distinguish it from other contemporary products from Andalusia. The function of this type of pottery remains undetermined until now. However, it is clear that the production of Madinat al-Zahra involved a fundamental technical advance; The use of copper and manganese oxide in decoration and paint, which covers the vessels and prevents the materials from penetrating into the porcelain, remains behind a special type of household utensils and is considered luxurious pottery.
Sample Text
Margarita Sánchez Llorente “Taifur (concave dish)” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;es;Mus01;2;ar
