Azulejo – Spanish Moorish Mudejar Olambrilla Tile, Cuerda Seca – Toledo 16th century

Rare early 16th century Mudejar tile of the so-called ‘Arista’ or ‘cuerda seca’ technique.
Polychrome tiles had long been made in Spain in the cuerda seca (dry cord) technique, dating to the Muslim Almohad dynasty, in which colors were kept from running together during firing by a line of grease drawn between them.
This small tile is a so-called olambrilla. They were used in flooring or pavements and to cover baseboards for decorative use, combined with rectangular unglazed red tiles.
Similar examples in collection of The Metropolitan Museum. Object Number: 94.4.443a–i

Good condition; some chipping to the edges, some wear to the glaze. No restoration

• Width: 9 centimeters
• Depth: 9 centimeters

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