Lot 128. A large Iznik polychrome jug, Turkey, circa 1580-1585; 29.5cm. height. Estimate 15,000-20,000 GBP. Lot sold 45,650 GBP. Photo Sotheby's

of baluster form on a low, slightly everted foot and broad everted neck, the loop handle terminating in a pinched dart, painted in an underglaze cobalt blue, viridian green and relief red with rows of clouds, outlined in black, the rim with a geometric, triangular pattern

Note: This is a large and powerful piece of Iznik pottery. A comparable jug is in the Musee National de la Ceramique, Sevres (Denny 2004, p.158).

The naturalistic cloud design which dominates the surface of the present jug can be traced back to the "s-cloud motif", which characterised a group of Iznik wares from the 1580's onwards (Atasoy and Raby 1989, p.259). These stylised sshaped clouds were at first mostly depicted against a blue or green ground, until the more stylistic and naturalistic design as illustrated on the present jug developed (ibid., p.259, nos. 555-557).

 Sotheby's. An Eye For Opulence- Art of the Ottoman Empire. Londres | 24 avr. 2012, 02:30 PM