Examination of the ‘Cuerda Seca’ Decoration Technique on Islamic Ceramics from al-Andalus (Spain)

Abstract

A group of Islamic objects, found in a pottery workshop in Saragossa (Spain), was studied in order to characterize the cuerda seca decoration in these glazed ceramics. Glaze technology in Islamic pottery was developed during the 11th century in the taifa kingdoms of al-Andalus, but many aspects of this artisan process are still unknown. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study these lead-silica glazes and the black pigments used for drawing the design outlines. Chemical compositions were determined for the glazes, colouring elements and pigments, allowing these to be identified and the stages involved in the cuerda seca decorative technique to be elucidated.