Disfrutar
in the Alhambra

Mr Manuel Zafra Jiménez
 
Sunday 11th and 18th May
Introduction. Ceramics as a tangible testimony of the progress of historic societies. A brief look at the history of Granada through its ceramics. The case of lustreware.
1. Background.  Metallic glaze lustreware in the ancient world: Egypt, Mesopotamia, early Islam: the Abbasid court and the creativity of the Fatimids.
2. Ceramic production in al-Andalus. Most important types: popular ceramics, green and manganese glazed ceramics, “cuerda seca” (dry cord) ceramics, sgraffito and stamped ceramics. Functional and decorative ceramics used in buildings.
3. The “work of M liqa”. First examples, geography and problems inherent in the origin and dissemination of Nasrid lustreware. A study of architectural ceramics and their important decorative and symbolic role.
4. The Great Vases of the Alhambra.  The presence and dissemination of Nasrid ceramics in the world’s most important museums.
Conclusions