PANEL OF SPANISH-MOORISH TILES
Modern Age
DECORATED EARTHENWARE JAR
Glazed ceramic.
Height: 68 cm. Diameter at mouth: 26 cm. Maximum diameter 52 cm. Base diameter: 21 cm.
Modern Age. 16th century.
Origin
Santo Domingo cloisters. Jerez de la Frontera. Cádiz.
Description
Green glazed earthenware jug decorated with vertical ribs running down the length of the piece. At the shoulder in the space between the ribs are appliques of medallions in relief with the fleur de lis on three balls. Some of these medallions had fallen off before being glazed. The short neck is decorated with a collar of balls, which is reminiscent of the architectural decoration of the period of the Catholic Kings. The fleur de lis, much used in Christian designs, was one of the symbols for Santo Domingo (Saint Dominic). It was used to decorate the ends of the arm on the cross on the Order's coat of arms. This could suggest that the earthenware jar was made especially for the monastery. The wear that can be seen on the piece indicates prolonged use, hence it must have been placed in the cloister vault quite a long time after its manufacture, towards the end of the 16th century or early 17th century (when the rooms over the cloister were built.)
Bibliography
- Barrionuevo, F. (2009): ““Loza quebrada” del relleno de bóvedas de los claustros de Santo Domingo de Jerez de la Frontera”. Revista de Historia de Jerez 14/15, pp. 255-285.
