A group of Eight Spanish Cuerda Seca tiles, Spain, 15th century

of square format decorated variously in blue, green, white, brown and black glaze with interlocking stars, a chain of rings bearing flaming stars and rosettes

minor chips and losses to surface and extremities, good condition, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

During the medieval period in Spain, tiles were expensive and desirable objects, acting as symbols of prosperity, wealth and status.  In the thirteenth century tiles were used to decorate the exterior of buildings, and as decoration for patios and galleries.

Spanish tiles were made using a variety of techniques before the painted tile of the sixteenth century became the dominant style.  The production of cuerda seca (lit. 'dry cord') tiles, as seen here and in the following three lots, involved linear designs being pressed into the clay and painted with a combination of manganese and a greasy substance, which prevented the colours from mixing.  The spaces were then filled with coloured lead glazes, often in blue, green, brown, black or white.

Cuerda seca tiles were superseded by arista tiles, which were more conducive to mass production, enabling a more widespread acquisition of tiles.  Another cuerda seca tile can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum (see Ray 2000, p.328).