Plate - Earthenware - ATAIFOR DE LOZA FAJALAUZA

A piece of remarkable historical beauty that embodies the artistic continuity between classical Islamic art of Al-Ándalus and popular pottery from Granada. This deep bowl (Ataifor) dates from the 19th century and represents the pinnacle of Fajalauza ceramics in its devotion to the oldest historical motifs.
Unique Historical and Stylistic Virtues
Deep iconography: The central decoration is organized around a powerful Eight-Pointed Star (Rub el Hizb), a fundamental geometric symbol in Islamic architecture that directly refers to the designs of the Caliphate and Taifa periods (10th-12th centuries). This central motif gives the piece an exceptional cultural resonance and visual antiquity.
Rare and authentic color palette: The piece is distinguished by its unusual color combination, known as Manganese and Melado (dark brown over yellow ochre). Unlike the more common blue and green in Fajalauza, this palette is a direct homage to the early lead glazes of Al-Andalus, making this bowl a unique specimen and highly desirable for specialized collectors.
Pseudocalligraphy Decoration: The spaces between the points of the star are filled with elegant scrolls and hand-painted abstract motifs. This fluid and schematic style evokes Arabic calligraphy (Kufic), adding an air of mystery and sophistication.
Details of the Craftsmanship Technique (Evidence of Antiquity)
The pottery exhibits all the characteristics of handcrafted work and traditional techniques, enhancing its status as a piece of folk art.
Rustic Enamel: The surface is covered with a glossy lead glaze that features a beautiful and dense crackle, a patina that attests to its great age.
Fire evidence: Dark spots and dispersed oxides are visible on the background, which are the direct result of mineral impurities and firing in artisanal ovens.
Edge finish: The edge features a subtle touch of copper oxide (small green/blue halo) mixed with manganese, a rustic drip that highlights the manual application of the color and the heritage of the Andalusian technique.
State and origin: Good overall condition, showing the natural wear of an item over more than a century. No visible marks from a workshop, which reinforces its origin in the oldest popular traditions.
An essential acquisition for collectors of Islamic art, Hispano-Moorish ceramics, and Spanish majolica from the high period.