Basin of al-Mansur

Rectangular marble ablution basin, reassembled from various fragments found in Seville. The main side has three symmetrical plant elements, in the style of the hom or tree of life, with stems finishing in palmettes and pine cones. These are framed by three polylobed arches with an alfiz, supported by columns decorated with zigzags and overlapping diamonds. On both sides and on the upper part there is an inscription written in Kufic script that indicates that the piece belonged to the palace at Madinat al-Zahira, the palatial city built by al-Mansur between 979 and 987. On the short side on the left of this piece are two epigraphs showing a pair of eagles with their wings spread, seizing a deer with each claw, as symbols of power. Symmetrical pairs of lions sit on their wings, with pairs of griffins underneath, also facing one other. The second main side only conserves part of the upper inscription and remains of a band decorated with waterfowl and fish, symbolising wealth. The plaster replica fragment shows a lion attacking a herbivore.