Limestone architectural ornament in the form of a group of leaves, Spain (probably Madinat al-Zahra), 936-76.

Carved limestone architectural ornament in the form of a group of slender leaves.

Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh, F.S.A.

Madinat al-Zahra' was first excavated by Ricardo Velazquez Bosco in 1912 and has been in the process of archaeological investigation for much of the rest of the 20th Century. Dr W. L. Hildburgh probably obtained the objects later received by the V&A over the course of his many trips to Spain in the early 20th Century. . The V&A collectoin includes many different fragments of carved decorative limestone wall panels and carved marble architectural fragments.

The Umayyad rulers of Spain assumed the title of caliph, or rightful leader of the Muslim community, in 929. Shortly thereafter, in 936, the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Rahman III founded a palace complex near the city of Córdoba called Madinat al-Zahra. The walls of Madinat al-Zahra were decorated with plant designs, including this fragment of limestone ornament. Court poetry of the period shows that abundant plants symbolised the realm’s fertility, which was ensured by the caliph’s just rule.

Patterns based on plants had been used long before the coming of Islam, and they continued to be popular throughout the Islamic period. Over time, the use of elements with recognisable plant forms (like the leaves seen here) gave way to more heavily stylised vegetal patterns. As time passed, the stylised element became dominant.

The palace of Madinat al-Zahra, near Córdoba, was built after the Umayyad rulers of Spain assumed the title of caliph in 929. Its walls were decorated with plant designs. Court poetry of the period shows that abundant plants symbolised the realm’s fertility, which was ensured by the caliph’s just rule.

A.106-1919