Photograph: Large white plate with blue decoration. Around the edge are 5 pieces of mock Arabic script. In the centre is a cross dividing the plate into quarters with a circle in each quarter.
See a larger image

Dish

Date: about 1400

This Andalusian lustreware dish is decorated in blue and faded lustre, with a stylised cruciform tree-of-life and bands of mock-Arabic script. The designs on Spanish lustrewares had been influenced by Moorish and Arabic tradition, but by the early 1500s the motifs were adapted to new markets, and the Islamic symbols replaced by motifs and images appropriate to a Christian culture. Pottery from Andalusia and Catalonia arrived in London via the Netherlands or as gifts or souvenirs brought by travellers. Political links with the Spanish kingdom of Aragon in the early 1500s helped to stimulate trade with Spain and interest in exotically decorated ceramics for the table.

Accession number: 12418

Place made: Malaga, Spain

Place of collection: Blossoms Inn Yard EC2 [City of London] [GM254, 1930]

Material: ceramic; earthenware

Measurements: H 80 mm; DM 365 mm

Gallery location: Case 18.1

Related material

Subjects:

Eating & Drinking
Iberia

Objects:

    The Museum of London Group is funded by the City of London and the Greater London Authority. Museum of London, London Wall, LONDON EC2Y 5HN, United Kingdom. Copyright & legal notices. This site is maintained by the Museum IT Team.