Faith Made Manifest: An Interpretation of the Decoration on Cistercian Wares

The Cistercian ware discussed here is mainly from Ticknall, Derbyshire. Other sites are included where appropriate. A few decorative motifs on Cistercian ware have already been noted: ‘ihs’ and ‘cartwheel’ stamps for instance. A more comprehensive scheme is proposed here, where the motifs are grouped by themes. Each is then analysed in the context of late medieval religious belief and practice. The motifs are linked to similar examples from church architecture, stained glass, wall paintings and other contemporary sources. Biblical quotations explain the origins of some motifs. Traditional and original designs from Ticknall are discussed. The significance of the decorative motifs in the abrupt ending of Cistercian production is considered and set against historical events. This study follows on from the research published in Spavold, J. and Brown, S. 2005, Ticknall Pots and Potters from the Late Fifteenth Century to 1888.