FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SPIRAL MOTIFS DEPICTED ON KUTAISI GLAZED  CERAMICS

NONA KARTSIDZE; IRINA UGREKHELIDZE; NINO SARAVA; DAVIT SULABERIDZE

NONA KARTSIDZE PhD in History, Kutaisi State Historical Museum, Human Resource Management and Public Relations Manager; Associate Professor, Akaki Tsereteli State University, Kutaisi, Georgia http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6148-4753
IRINA UGREKHELIDZE PhD of Engineering, Kutaisi State Historical Museum, Curator of the Textile and Embroidery Department; Associate Professor, Ak. Tsereteli State University, Kutaisi, Georgia http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7982-9927
NINO SARAVA Kutaisi State Historical Museum, Curator of Arts Department, Kutaisi, Georgia http://orcid.org/0009-0007-4655-4171
DAVIT SULABERIDZE PhD in History, Kutaisi State Historical Museum, Chief Curator of Funds, Kutaisi, Georgia http://orcid.org/0009-0006-5680-5328

Abstract

During the past three to four decades, as a result of the archaeological researches of the old town, a large amount of medieval glazed ceramics has been accumulated in the Kutaisi State Historical Museum. Most of it is vegetal, zoomorphic, abstract, etc. It is decorated with ornamental motifs. Ornaments are important for artistic and scientific value. The aim of the research is to discuss the astral-cosmogonic character bearing symbol - the spiral ornament depicted on the ceramic vessels of the Kutaisi collection, to analyze its historical and artistic transformation from the early era - to compare it with the ceramics of the neighboring regions and on other monuments (monumental and miniature paintings, stone reliefs, engraved icons, decorative enamel, textiles) by searching for parallels.

As a result of the research, it was revealed that the principle of continuous circular movement, which is depicted in the spiral ornament on the territory of Georgia since ancient times, existed continuously and was transformed in different forms and found expression in different materials. The research revealed that the activity of medieval Georgian potters was never isolated and closed. In this field of craftsmanship, the proximity and connection with the ceramic production centers of the neighboring countries, the presence of trade routes and contacts, and in general, cross-cultural influences were clearly felt. This fact is indicated by the presence of identical forms, similar ornaments and the same stories in regions far from each other.

The results of the research will be important in various fields, namely: for the understanding of cultural heritage; to determine the cultural contacts of the contemporary society; Analysis of compositions, styles, and color palettes will be important in terms of applied art and aesthetics. In addition, the results of the research can be useful for educational purposes, in particular in the educational programs of art, history and archeology - to provide information about the artistic and cultural aspects of ceramics.

Keywords: glazed ceramics; spiral ornament; solar sign; Middle Ages.