Medieval Ceramics Volume 31: Journal of the Medieval Pottery Research Group

The first documentary mention of cobalt use in the medieval kingdom of Valencia dates as far back as 1333. Before that, there is no evidence for the use of safra or cobalt pigment. The first cobalt was used in production of lustre-ware, proving the improvements in the manufacture of wares with tin-glaze earthenware decoration during the first half of the fourteenth century. X Ray fluorescence analysis suggests a variation in the detected spectrum of blue pigment through the years, this fact when considered with shape, draw and decorative evolution allows us to propose a very close dating for some decorative groups produced in Manises and Paterna and that is the main target of this paper.

The Cistercian ware discussed here is mainly from Ticknall, Derbyshire. Other sites are included where appropriate. A few decorative motifs on Cistercian ware have already been noted: ‘ihs’ and ‘cartwheel’ stamps for instance. A more comprehensive scheme is proposed here, where the motifs are grouped by themes. Each is then analysed in the context of late medieval religious belief and practice. The motifs are linked to similar examples from church architecture, stained glass, wall paintings and other contemporary sources. Biblical quotations explain the origins of some motifs. Traditional and original designs from Ticknall are discussed. The significance of the decorative motifs in the abrupt ending of Cistercian production is considered and set against historical events. This study follows on from the research published in Spavold, J. and Brown, S. 2005, Ticknall Pots and Potters from the Late Fifteenth Century to 1888.

Publication review

Publication review

Regional Group Reports 2009-10

Accounts for the Medieval Pottery Research Group for the year ending 31 January 2008

Editorial of Medieval Ceramics 2007