Creature, Curiosity - Earthenware Tile Representing A Musala - Spain, Bestiary

Period: Second half of the 18th century
Origin: Spain (probably Valencia or Catalonia)

This polychrome earthenware tile is a beautiful illustration of the “Rajoles d’Arts i Oficis”, an 18th-century Spanish decorative tradition, depicting scenes from everyday life, allegories, or hybrid figures with sometimes enigmatic meanings.

Description
• Material: Polychrome glazed earthenware on a white background
• Decoration: The scene depicts a Mulassa, a legendary creature halfway between a horse and a dog, often associated with Spanish folk tales. Here, it is portrayed with an ornate blue collar, a small shield on its side, and spitting flames. The background features a blue sky crossed by stylized birds, enhancing the lively and narrative character of the scene.

The Mulassa: A creature from popular tradition

In 18th-century Spanish folklore, the Mulassa was a hybrid creature of uncertain origins, appearing in folk tales and sometimes associated with satirical or symbolic representations.
• It could be a humorous or allegorical creation, used to mock a social order, a corporation, or a well-known figure of the time.
• The blue collar and shield suggest a noble or military affiliation, while the flames it spits may symbolize power, eloquence, or destructive force.
• These tiles were frequently incorporated into the wall decorations of bourgeois homes and public buildings, adding a touch of irony or fantasy to Spanish interiors.

A similar tile, from the Josep Ma Pons Guri collection, is preserved at the Arenys de Mar Museum in Catalonia, testifying to the widespread use of these motifs in 18th-century Spain.

Condition

Beautiful aged patina, with visible chips on the enamel, particularly on the body of the Mulassa, attesting to its use and age.

Dimensions
• Side: 13 x 13 cm

Shipping

Fast and secure shipping via DHL Express, ensuring that this unique and characterful piece arrives in optimal condition.