TAIFA ATAIFOR (BOWL) WITH HARE
Islamic Period
TAIFA ATAIFOR (BOWL) WITH HARE
Ceramic in green and manganese. Reverse with honey-yellow glazing. Flat base.
Maximum diameter: 38.4 cm. Height: 9 cm. Base diameter: 21.3 cm.
Hispano-Muslim. 11th century
Origin
Plaza de Belén. Jerez de la Frontera. Cádiz
Description
This large ataifor (bowl) has a thickened rim and depicts a hare at the base of a central medallion. The medallion is surrounded by ten concentric circles in green and white, dotted in manganese. Plant motifs (pine cones) emerge from this in a radial shape. This elaborate pattern is typical of green ceramics and manganese from the Taifa period. Natural themes are loaded with symbolism in Islamic art: here, the hare is seen as an allegory of life and fertility.
Bibliography
- González Rodríguez, R. et alii (2008): Carta Arqueológica Municipal de Jerez.1: El núcleo urbano. Junta de Andalucía, p.98.
