What is Hispano-Moresque ware and history of it

Hello, in this post I will tell you about a type of pottery called **Hispano-Moresque ware** and its history. Hispano-Moresque ware is a style of pottery that was created in Al-Andalus, the Muslim-ruled part of Spain, and continued to be produced under Christian rule in styles that blended Islamic and European elements. It was the most elaborate and luxurious pottery in Europe until the Italian maiolica industry developed sophisticated styles in the 15th century, and it was exported widely across Europe.

Hispano-Moresque ware is characterized by its use of two ceramic techniques that were introduced to Europe by the Moors: glazing with an opaque white tin-glaze, and lustreware, which imitates metallic finishes with iridescent effects. Hispano-Moresque wares use both processes, applying the paint as an overglaze that is then fired again.  Lustreware was a specialty of Islamic pottery, partly because the use of gold and silver vessels was prohibited by Islamic law, so pottery and glass were used instead by Muslim elites.

The earliest major centre of fine pottery in Al-Andalus was Málaga in southern Spain.  This is the main centre whose wares were produced in a Muslim kingdom, as opposed to by a workforce that was mostly Muslim or Morisco (Muslim converts to Christianity) under Christian rule. It was famous for its gold lustre on white enamel, and it often included blue paint with the gold lustre over a red clay that is typical of the region.  It also used typical Islamic decoration, such as geometric patterns, calligraphy, and stylized plant motifs. Málaga remained under Muslim rule until 1487, shortly before the fall of Granada, the last Moorish kingdom.

IMG: A Hispano-Moresque dish, approx 32cm diameter, with Christian monogram "IHS", decorated in cobalt blue and gold luster. Valencia, c.1430-1500.

The other major centre of Hispano-Moresque ware was Valencia, which had been reconquered by the Crown of Aragon in the 13th century. The main town for pottery production was Manises, near Valencia, where most of the wares were made for the Christian market and exported very widely.  The Valencian wares were more influenced by European styles, such as Gothic and Renaissance motifs, heraldic devices, animals, and human figures. They also used more colours, such as green, yellow, and brown, in addition to blue and gold.  Some of the most impressive pieces were large vases made for the Alhambra palace in Granada or for European royalty and nobility.

Manises dish, 1430-1450, Diameter: 14 in. (35.56 cm)

One of a number of large vases made for the Alhambra in Granada, 134 cm high

I hope you enjoyed learning about Hispano-Moresque ware and its history. If you want to see some examples of this beautiful pottery, you can visit museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London or the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. You can also find more information on these websites:

: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispano-Moresque_ware

: https://www.britannica.com/art/Hispano-Moresque-ware

: https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Hispano-Moresque_ware

: https://www.britannica.com/art/faience

: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manises

: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/451308