Iznik pottery plate, Ottoman Turkey, Late 16th century/Early 17th century
Polychrome glazed ceramic
H. 5 cm
Diam. 26 cm
The drawing in the center divides the plate in four oval sectors with ornamental elements in their middle surrounded by flowers and leaves. A beautiful ornamental red star centers the decoration.
The rim shows a typical decoration with a border of whorls and waves, which can be approached to the very similar Chinese ornament symbol of strength and perseverance recalling the two vital principals of “Yang” and “Ying”, respectively masculine and feminine.
The plate is painted with very sharp greens and reds. The reds have been applied in relief and the colour itself comes from a particular type of clay from Anatolia containing a very high percentage of iron. The background is white with some blue details.
This plate has been shown at the exhibition “Le Mille e Una Notte” – Persian, Turkish and Moresque ceramics in the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Faenza, September to October 1990. Published in the catalogue page 164, n.129.
Comparison: Nurhan Atasoy and Julian Raby, “Iznik, the Pottery of Ottoman Turkey
Literature
Le Mille e una notte, Faenza 1990, p. 164, cat. no. 29 (illustrated).