Cleveland Museum of Art

Pair of Plaques (Appliqué)

Date

1300s

Medium

translucent enamel on gold

Culture

Spain (Hispano-Moresque), 14th century

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This oblong plaque is decorated with pseudo-Kufic (fake Arabic) designs indicating that it was produced in Spain under Muslim influence. It may have served as an applied ornament to some article of personal adornment such as a belt. It is possible that the design was inspired by Arabic coinage. Enamel can be made opaque or translucent; when translucent, it resembles stained glass, allowing light to pass through.

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