Valencia region (Manises), Spain
Around 1500–25
Tin-glazed earthenware painted with lustre
Repeated round this imposing dish are the first lines of the Gospel of Saint John, in garbled Latin: ‘In the beginning was the Word.’ The use of a bold inscription as the main decorative feature reflects the importance of calligraphy in Islamic cultures. This reveals a strong continuity in the pottery of Christian Spain with the country’s Islamic past.
The shape of this dish imitates metalwork, especially in the raised leaves (called ‘gadroons’) that seem to form a large flower. In turn, Spanish lustreware was the likely source of inspiration for the painted enamel dishes produced in Italy around this time (as seen in this case).
The underside of the dish, which would not have been seen when displayed, is more freely painted.