Hispano-Moresque Plate

(12"x12"x2")

This stunning 19th-century Hispano-Moresque ceramic plate features delicate dots and a carefully rendered image of a king in the centre of the object. The king is surrounded by an elegant crest of twirling filigree and a knight in shining armour. The plate was likely hand-painted in a light grey underglaze with a white top glaze. The bronze-coloured design would have been painted on last with care, precision, and a steady-hand. To craft Hispano-Moresque ware, two techniques were typically used. The first is glazing with an opaque tin-white glaze, and the second is lustreware, which emulates iridescent and metallic finishes. In both cases, the paint is applied as an overglaze, which is then fired again. Hispano-Moresque ware is also known as Spanish lustreware. This style of Islamic pottery was created in Muslim Spain. Over time, it continued to be made under Christian rule by blending European elements with the Islamic style. Such ceramics were once regarded as the most elaborate and sumptuous pieces of pottery being produced in Europe, and this plate would be a luxurious and unique addition to your kitchen or dining room.

At this time in Spain, on October 25, 1881, Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) was born in Malaga, Andalusia. The child would grow up to become one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Picasso is known for co-founding the Cubist movement, and is regarded as the inventor of constructed sculpture, as well as the co-inventor of the collage. Notable works by the Spanish artist include Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907) and Guernica (1937).