Publication Date
It extends over a decade: 926-36/1520-30
Publication Place
-
British Museum
Subject
Blue and turquoise porcelain in white quartz paste under glaze.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الارتفاع 28.5 سم؛ الطول 24.5 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
1892.6.13.69
Record ID
object;ISL;uk;Mus01;38;ar
Library Location
British Museum
Date
It extends over a decade: 926-36/1520-30
Notes
An octagonal piece of faience, made of white quartz paste, and colored blue and turquoise under a layer of glaze. The decoration consists of large lotus flowers and fanciful leaves known as saaz, under which a pair of ducks sit. This beautiful decorative design is linked to examples of 15th-century drawings imported from Iran, which were used as a source for a range of decorative arts. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Iranian potters traveled to Turkey to work for the Ottomans. This faience piece is reminiscent of a group of examples in the blue and turquoise faience paintings of the year of Udasi (Circumcision Chamber) in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul around 933-4 / 1527-8. This design of large flowers, swirling leaves and animals may have been created by the craftsmen of Tabriz, Iran, and similar designs of leaves and animals can be found in examples of drawings found in Qasr Topkapi. Another source of influence is Chinese blue and white porcelain, which was imported to Turkey due to its popularity with the Ottomans. Despite outside influences, Iznik potters adapted these designs, creating their own distinct style.
Sample Text
Emily Shovelton “Piece of tile” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;uk;Mus01;38;ar
