The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of February 4, 2023

Albarello with Pseudo-Kufic Letters

1300s

Spain, Paterna, 14th century

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)

Overall: 21.6 cm (8 1/2 in.)

In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Humphreys, gift of their daughter Helen 1945.28

Location

110B Late Gothic

Fun Fact

Jars with this cylindrical shape were often used to store spices and herbs as well as pigments. The script on this jar doesn't help in determining its original contents; the text-like lines are completely decorative.

Description

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.

Provenance
formerly in the Collection of Vincente Novella; (Mrs. Kirkor Minassian, New York).
Citations
The Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art Handbook. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1958. Mentioned and Reproduced: cat. no. 169 archive.org
The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1966. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1966. Reproduced: p. 56 archive.org
The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1969. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1969. Reproduced: p. 56 archive.org
The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1978. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1978. Reproduced: p. 62 archive.org
Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1945.28