Spain (Hispano-Moresque), 14th century / 1300s
Pair of Plaques (Appliqué)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Pair of Plaques (Appliqué) as enamel (Spain (Hispano-Moresque), 14th century · 1300s).
Enamel can be made opaque or translucent; when translucent, it resembles stained glass, allowing light to pass through.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this enamel as translucent enamel on gold.
The museum's collection notes: This oblong plaque is decorated with pseudo-Kufic (fake Arabic) designs indicating that it was produced in Spain under Muslim influence. It may have served as an applied ornament to some article of personal adornment such as a belt. It is possible that the design was inspired by Arabic coinage.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPair of Plaques (Appliqué)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.