Pitcher

DJ/DA02859. This pitcher belongs to an assemblage of common tableware. It has a flat base, globular body, a cylindrical neck, a trefoil mouth with double external moulding, and a flat handle that links the rim and the shoulder. The belly presents a series of groves and the top of the body has a horizontal incision. The paste is made of fine reddish clay. The pitcher is painted, a common decorative technique with these shapes. The design is simple, using a series of brush or finger strokes sometimes known as the hand of Fatima. In some interpretations, this motif symbolises the name of Allah, and it played a prophylactic role, keeping the water free from contamination (Salinas 2012). The motif consists of three dark broad bands on a lighter background around the neck and the body. This decorative pattern appears during the Emirate in pitchers, flasks and some ataifores, and continues in use during the Caliphate. From the 12th century onwards, the motif, which is schematised even further, chiefly appears on large containers (Salinas 2012).