Perhaps no object-of-every-day-use can communicate the history of a nation (and thus their antiques) as strongly as the mere dinner plate does for Spain. Pottery has been a Spanish staple for over 4,000 years. But it was the Moors who took the proverbial 'bull by the horns' when they introduced iridescent lusterware and tin-glazed earthenware, using techniques that glazed, dazed and amazed. Originally used for decorative tiles and vases, the factories began making bowls, cups and plates when the use of silver was restricted for domestic purposes in 1601, thus changing the history of Spanish ceramic art forevermore.
By the 15th C, Moorish potters in factories near Valencia changed their
designs from traditional Arabic to Christian scenes. This shift was
received with near global fan-fair! Spanish ceramics became so popular
French and Italian aristocrats requested their coats-of-arms to be painted on
pieces. By the 18th Century "la faence Franaise" had grown in
popularity, though, and provided Spain with some serious competition.
The Spaniards did market research and lashed back in a porcelain war that
resulted in Spanish faience rivaling Paris' best. This prompted one
famous French royal to write to the factory in Alcora, "Yours is far superior ... .
To compare (French) pottery with your porcelain is like comparing Corsica with
Spain!" Even the Pope gave his royal seal of approval, marveling over
Spain's ability to "create such things of elegance from mere clay."
Needless to say, with backing from the Pope, Spain was set and soon became the
foremost ceramic producer in Europe
Spain is still noted for its ceramic production and the history of Spain is
intermingled with the history of ceramics. The same cultural influences
on porcelain also influenced Spain's architecture, art and furniture design,
thus as porcelain evolved so did the designs of the day.
Today it is impossible to visit a 'rastro' (flea market) without stumbling over
a pile of old plates, pitchers or vases. With such varying degrees of
quality (and an excellent assortment of high quality reproductions on the
market), it's difficult to determine if you're buying 'the real McCoy'.
Before racing to the rastro to purchase, you should educate your eye so that
you know if you're buying an authentic period-piece or an "antique-of-the
future".
My favorite museum in Spain is the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in
Madrid with its rooms furnished to recreate different historical and regional
styles. Here you can study original museum pieces to get an eye for
quality. If you were buying a case of Rioja, you would expect to do a wine
tasting prior to forking out the Euros, so why not apply this same "tasting"
mentality to your antique purchases? Once you've satisfied your
educational requirements, step out into antique shops and flea markets where
you can touch, fondle and most importantly, buy the treasures on display!
A few of my favorite addresses include:
Madrid
Visit Nuevas Galeras, at # 12 Calle Ribera de Curtidores, and Galeras Piquer
# 29 to find clusters of antique shops in one arcade. Mercado Puerta de
Toledo (at Puerta de Toledo # 1) also offers some interesting wares.
Barcelona
Start at Els Encants Vells at the Placa de las Glories - The Old Charms Market
is the largest rastro in town, selling objects of little-to-no value as well as
collector's items and local antiques. Visit the smaller flea markets such
as Mercat Gotic (Avinguada Catedral, 6) held on the cathedral square and then hit
the Barri Gothic and the Carrer Banys Nous and Carrer Palla. A particular
favorite in this area is Antiuguedades Boada at 6 Placa Oriol.
Seville
Seville is an antique shoppers dream! I
like the Alfalfa neighborhood, nearby Cabeza del Rey Don Pedro Street and
adjacent streets.
Valencia
The last place to mention, but most certainly not the least, is the porcelain
district where this article began. Valencia is prized still today for its
ceramics and a simply sensational selection can be found in the antique shops
on the streets of Avellanas, Baja or Purisima or in the Ciutat Vella.
To read more exciting articles written by The Antiques Diva visit www.antiquesdiva.blogspot.com or to book a European Antique Shopping Tour at www.antiquesdiva.com Follow my day-to-day adventures on www.twitter.com/TheAntiquesDiva
