Cock, cast, modeled and carved fritware, painted in blue, turquoise, and manganese under a transparent glaze
It was difficult to make and fire large ceramic figures like this one and the sphinx (Isl 56) with the technology of the day. They easily crackled or simply collapsed. The manganese, turquoise, and blue glazes and carved decoration are typical of laqabi ware, but while the glazes on a horizontal surface are kept in place by the carved decoration, this is not the case on an upright object like this one.
Although both animals must be considered mythical creatures, the artist managed to depict the watchful and aggressive cock with all of this animal’s natural characteristics.
Although both animals must be considered mythical creatures, the artist managed to depict the watchful and aggressive cock with all of this animal’s natural characteristics.