Basin

Maker: Attributed to Damián Hernández (Mexican, active 1607–70)

Date: 1660–80

Geography: Made in Puebla, Mexico

Culture: Mexican

Medium: Tin-glazed earthenware

Dimensions: H. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); Diam. 20 1/4 in. (51.4 cm)

Classification: Ceramics

Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Robert W. de Forest, 1911

Accession Number: 11.87.3

Description

The shape of this type of basin, called a lebrillo, is rooted in Hispano-Islamic ceramic traditions. In Mexico, the lebrillo was adapted to a variety of uses, both religious and domestic, often distinguishable by the way in which they are decorated. The interior of this basin, glazed in a technique called aborronado, features a woman in contemporary dress surrounded by birds and a dense pattern of dotted foliate decoration. The basin is marked with the initials “he,” which may belong to Damián Hernández, a founding member of the Puebla potter’s guild.

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