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Ceramics Room Glazed jug with incised and impressed decoration, Arab period Glazed sherd with incised decoration, 11th c. Glazed cup with incised and painted decoration, Venetian period

Ceramics

Over a long period of human history, ceramic objects stand as important testimony to everyday life, as well as to economic, technological and artistic activity in each age. Vessel types, manufacturing techniques and decoration reflect the influences of the past as well as the innovations that conditions in every age create.

The Historical Museum of Crete Ceramics Collection is displayed in a separate room, starting from the period of transition to Christianity and ending in the time of Ottoman rule. Visitors can observe the course of developments in ceramics, from the unpainted, undecorated vessels of the early Byzantine centuries up until glazing techniques prevailed, and in the luxury Venetian period wares that stand out for their quality and rich decoration. This course can also be explored via a large touch screen that highlights the changes in vessels by period.

Alongside locally produced wares, the exhibition presents typical examples of ceramics imported to Crete, which bear witness to communication between the island and the East and West in all periods, e.g. the majolica ware imported from Italy in the Venetian period, and an Iznik technique plate in the Ottoman period.