Work

Archaeometric analysis of Nasrid glazed architectural ceramics from the Alhambra and Generalife Monument, Granada (Spain)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This work presents the first systematic archaeometric data of 13th–14th century AD Nasrid glazed architectural ceramics from the Alhambra and Generalife, focusing on colour-specific glazing technologies. Findings provide new insights into Nasrid glazing technology, ceramic typologies, and conservation implications, contributing to discussions on Islamic material culture and technical traditions in al-Andalus. Analysed typologies include mosaic, inlay, relief tiles, roof lights, and steles with glazes in white, blue, green-turquoise, black, and honey tones. Microstructural and chemical results reveal decorative chromophores and techniques to be a reference for future studies. Most glazes are inglaze on lead tin-opacified bases, fired in oxidising conditions at ∼950 °C. Phosphorus was found in weathered glazes (associated with a burial environment) and unweathered white and blue glazes, suggesting deliberate addition of bones (fragments/ashes). Identified phases in most glazes were unmelted quartz and feldspars grains, and relatively abundant Cr-bearing wollastonite crystals precipitated during firing. Furthermore, one of the fragments with a black surface was determined not to be a glaze, but rather a polished section of a metamorphic rock.

Source: Boletín de la Sociedad Española de Cerámica y Vidrio

DOI: 10.1016/j.bsecv.2025.100477

Authors: Carolina Cardell, Maja Urosevic, Danielle Dias Martins, Isabel Guerra, Alberto García Porras

Institution: Universidad de Granada

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,100