And old, deep-well plate from the famous Ottoman ceramics city of Iznik (western Anatolia). It has a rim and a low stand with four small holes (for hanging). This plate displays the typical decorative motifs of the Iznik ceramic workshops from the years 1575 to 1580: with a ‘saz’ leaf placed centrally on the white background, surrounded by three blue tulips, a big red peony (above) and three red hyacinths (to the left, right and below). Added to these are three small flower buds (in red and blue). The rim is offset by black lines and decorated in black with the ‘wave-stone’ pattern characteristic of that time period. All colours lie underneath the intact glaze. On the plate’s white underside can be seen eight small encircling flower buds — outlined in green, grey and black — again, under the glaze. Glued underneath also are two early, round labels. This very old and complete piece has a restored crack going across and small chipping of the rim to the left. Identifiable on the back are two coloured restorations. The outer rim bears multiple chippings (old ones). Otherwise no damage. DM: 26.4 cm. 16th century (1575–1580). (ME)

Provenance: German Private Collection.

Lit.: ‘IZNIK. The Pottery of Ottoman Turkey’ by Nurhan Atasoy & Julian Raby, ill. 415, 418, 480, 694, 698, 704, 730.