Albarello with Pseudo-Kufic Letters
Unknown Artist
1300s
Medium
tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
Dimensions
h. 21.6 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Humphreys, gift of their daughter Helen
Accession Number
1945.28
About this artwork
The Muslim occupation of Spain brought the arts and skills of the Islamic world to Europe and led to the flowering of ceramics throughout the continent. This vessel was made in Paterna, near the Christian port of Valencia. Its design and decoration, featuring a band of pseudo-Kufic (fake Arabic) letters, suggests a strong Muslim influence. The subtle blend of the Islamic and Spanish known as Hispano-Moresque.