Hispano Moresque Revival Lusterware charger from La Ceramo Factory, Valencia, Spain, circa 1890. Image motif of a Christmas Angel playing the lute with the Hymn of the Angels. Gloria in excelsis deo & Cristus vincit, Cristus reinat, Cristus imperat. A stunning Hispano-Moresque Revival polychromed. This special piece of pottery dates from the late 19th Century, produced in the renowned La Ceramo Factory in Valencia, Spain. La ceramo was the first factory to recover the lost techniques of the Hispanic Moresco Lusterware style (popularised during Al-andalus times) in the 19th Century. This historically important charger is an extraordinary and rare example of this recovered tradition of making exquisite pottery. Unfortunately, the factory closed its doors in the last quarter of the 20th century, which further highlights how special this piece is. With a cream coloured background profusely decorated with gilt and copper stylised symbols, motifs and vines. We can see in the centre a Christmas angel playing a lute. Below, we can read Gloria in excelsis deo (Glory to God in the highest). This refers to the christian hymn commonly known as Hymn of the Angels. In the wide rim decorated in cobalt lettering, we can read the words. Cristus vincit, Cristus reinat, Cristus imperat what means Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands. These words are the beginning of the catholic hymn The Laudes Regiæ. This hymn has its origins as far back as ancient Rome. When Roman leaders such as generals, emperors or consuls entered the Eternal City of Rome after triumph in a great battle, they were met by these chants of the people. Charlemagne himself adopted Roman traditions for his own use. When he was crowned as Emperor of the Romans in 800 A. He adopted Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat, also called the Laudes Imperiale. (Please note there is a hook on the back of the charger in order to be hung on the wall). La Ceramo was a pottery factory founded in 1889 by the Ros and Urgell families, in the Valencian town of Benicalap, Spain. In this factory amphorae, vases and other pottery vessels were produced with the technique of metallic reflections, what we know as Lusterware. It is said that Ros, one of the founders, was a restorer of antique furniture. One day, while he was restoring one of the pieces, he found some old documents inside containing the recipe to make this complex type of pottery, which led to the opening of the factory later on. They won several certificates of honor across multiple exhibitions in Europe and even important personalities at the time like Sissi, Empress of Austria, visited La Ceramo Factory, where she bought some golden earthenware items. Lusterware or Lustreware is a type of pottery or porcelain with a metallic glaze that gives the effect of iridescence. The discovery of this technique can be traced back to the 7th century A. The technique of lusterware on ceramic was developed originally in Iraq. Then traveled along the trade routes; the production of this type of ceramic was seen in Egypt and Syria during later centuries. While the production of lusterware continued in the Middle East and Persia, it spread to Europe through Al-Andalus, when the Moorish occupied Spain. It started in Málaga, developed in Valencia and then spread to Italy, where it was used to enhance majolica. Extraordinary condition, wear and tear almost not present. At ValiArt Sacred Art & Antiques we take pride in our work by making detailed and accurate description of every item. The item “Hispano Moresque Lusterware Religious Angel Charger Plate La Ceramo Factory 19c” is in sale since Saturday, May 2, 2020. This item is in the category “Antiques\Decorative Arts\Ceramics & Porcelain\Plates & Chargers”. The seller is “valiart” and is located in Sliema. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Material 2: Earthenware
- Material: Pottery
- Type: Charger
- Style: Hispano Moresque
- Age: 1850-1899
- Maker: Longwy
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Object Type: Plate
- Color: Copper
- Country/Region of Origin: Spain
- Primary Material: Ceramic
- Material 1: Lusterware