Lot 189. An Iznik polychrome pottery dish with carnations and tulips, Turkey, circa 1565; 31.6cm. diam. Estimate £30,000 - £50,000. Unsold. © Sotheby's.

fritware, underglaze-painted in ochre-red bole, sage green, light blue with green outlines, spray of carnations in the centre between two hyacinth plants, bracketed rim with paired tulips, foliate motifs to underside and two old collection labels 'FR 110' and '434 Graf Rud. H'.

Note: According to a letter written by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu to an English friend on 16 March 1718 regarding Turkish customs she quotes the verses associated with various flowers, including: "Carnation: I have long lov'd you and you have not known it" (quoted in Denny 2004, p.190).  

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World, London, 24 oct. 2018, 10:30 AM