Εικονιστικές παραστάσεις σε βυζαντινά εφυαλωμένα κεραμικά από τον Σταθμό Αγίας Σοφίας του Μετρό Θεσσαλονίκης

The production of open and closed-shaped glazed tableware in Byzantium, is characterized by a variety in forms, motives and illustrations. Different patterns and methods along with multiple techniques are used, representing workshops, trends and influences of each era while expressing the existence or lack of imagination. The engraving techniques (sgraffito, Champlevé technique) along with colours and glazes, are related to each chronological period and express the artist’s talent and impacts. Apart from the continuous selection of herbal and animal designs, mythical creatures, historical personalities or professions, inspire the creators. Eight earthenware examples that were discovered during rescue excavations for the construction of the Metropolitan subway of Thessaloniki and more specifically from Agia Sophia Station, are examined and analyzed. Seven belong to open shaped types (plates or cups) while only one represents closed shaped tableware (probably a small jug or jar). The figurative illustrations are presented thoroughly by using a combination of parallel familiar artistic examples and an interpretation of all the designed parameters. Four examples are decorated with animal related themes such as hunting or animal combats, while the rest of them (also four examples) include human figures, mythical creatures or probably historical personalities. These representative examples, either confirm the use of decorative patterns, or express uniqueness, adding at the same time new information in the research of byzantine pottery. Thessaloniki constitutes an unambiguous part of Byzantine Empire and the existence of these finds, confirm the importance of commercial routes between West and East not only for political, economic and religious reasons but for artistic aspects as well.