Paire de vases monumentaux dans le style de l'Alhambra

Spain, late 19th - early 20th century A polychrome-painted molded stucco amphora on a foot, decorated with a dense network of interlacing, zoomorphic figures and Nasrid-style calligraphic bands. The base of the body is decorated with foliated mandorla and calligraphic spandrels. Separated by a calligraphic band, the upper part of the body is decorated with facing quadrupeds. On a red velvet wood pedestal. Condition: cracked feet. H. 128 x W. 51 x D. 45 cm - with base 160 cm. Provenance : Public sale, Spain, from the important collection of the Lorca family, Granada. The name "Alhambra vase" refers to the monumental vases of the Nasrid period, designed to filter water. Interest in these large pieces extends beyond the Nasrid period. References follow one another throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, and then, at the end of the 18th century, the Royal Academy of San Fernando publishes engravings of two highly decorated examples. For much of the 19th century, they became objects of interest and collectors' items, as part of the Orientalist artistic movement sweeping Europe. Thus, a new appreciation of the arts of Muslim Spain led to a revival of Alhambra-style vases made by famous workshops such as those of Placido Zuloaga and Tillany & Co. While the majority of these Alhambra-style vases were made in pottery or bronze, the present pair of vases is one of the largest, and was made in plaster. A pair of important carved Alhambra-style stucco vases, Spain, late 19th - early 20th century. The name "Alhambra vase" refers to the monumental vases of the Nasrid period, designed to filter water. Interest in these large pieces extended beyond the Nasrid period. There was a succession of references during the 16th and 17th centuries, and at the end of the 18th century, the Royal Academy of San Fernando published engravings of two highly decorated examples. For much of the 19th century, they became objects of interest and collectors' items, as part of the Orientalist artistic movement sweeping across Europe. A new appreciation of the arts of Muslim Spain led to a revival of Alhambra-style vases made by famous workshops such as those of Placido Zuloaga and Tillany & Co. While the majority of these Alhambra-style vases were made in pottery or bronze, this pair of vases is one of the largest, and was made in plaster.