Christie's. Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, London, 25 April 2013
A very large iznik pottery tile, Ottoman Turkey, circa 1600
Lot 233. A very large iznik pottery tile, Ottoman Turkey, circa 1600; 23 5/8 x 15in. (59.8 x 38.8cm.). Estimate GBP 30,000 - GBP 50,000. Price realised GBP 67,875. © Christie's Image Ltd 2013
Of rectangular shape, the white ground with repeated design painted in cobalt-blue and turquoise of central leafy palmettes surrounded by regular vine with saz leaves and rosettes, within cobalt-blue and turquoise border, some chipping around the edges, repaired break, small areas of restoration.
Provenance: From the collection of Fernand Adda, thence by descent,
From where purchased in 1990s
Note: The large size of this single tile is rare enough to be mentioned. The firing has been perfectly controlled and the tile kept its exact rectangular shape. The decoration is organized around two dramatic addorsed lotus flowers whilst six large rosettes and stems punctuate the white ground. Delicate cobalt-blue saz leaves with turquoise blue veins fill the interstices.
Examples of a very close design, exclusively using cobalt and turquoise blue, are found in the New Mosque in Istanbul (circa 1600) although the present is of a much larger size than any of those decorating the mosque (V. Genel, Istanbul Yeni Cami ve Hunkar Kasri, Istanbul, 1976, p. 152, ill. 18).