the Bulgarian group of sgraffito ceramics with underglaze monograms: characteristics and problems

Abstract

This paper aims to present the characteristics and to discuss the main issues of a specific group of sgraffito ceramics with underglaze monograms. These ceramics were produced locally in the Medieval capital of Bulgaria, Tarnovo, as well as in some other urban centres such as Cherven and Silistra. The samples’ distribution matches an area controlled by the Tsardom of Tarnovo during the second half of the 14th c. The appearance of the group could be dated in the 1340s based on the decipherment of the monograms of Patriarch Symeon and its production and use most probably does not exceed the time of the Ottoman conquest. Huge plates and bowls covered with transparent, colourless, light green or yellow glazes seem to be of earlier date, as opposed to later samples of smaller size, more often glazed in darker shades. Monochromacy is a distinctive feature in most cases, as well as incised decoration of concentric circles, possibly inspired by the Zeuxippus Family ceramics. The inscriptions, placed closer to the rim of the vessels, are of great historical significance since some of them comprise the names and titles of Bulgarian tsars, patriarchs and other dignitaries like Ivan Alexander (1331 – 1371), Ivan Shishman (1371 – 1395) and Patriarch Theodosius II. The samples with royal monograms are concentrated at the Palace and those with patriarchal inscriptions – at the Patriarchate in Tarnovo. An interesting case are the sets inscribed with single letters originating from several monasteries, among which the plates and bowls marked with ‘M’ (meaning 40) from the Tarnovo monastery of the Holy 40 Martyrs stand out as the most numerous assemblage. The archaeological contexts clearly show a connection between vessels with certain monograms and particular complexes. Therefore the possibility for the group’s free circulation as trade goods and its use by the ordinary population should be excluded.