Lot 10. An impressive Iznik-style pottery vase, Ulisse Cantagalli, Florence, Italy, Late 19th century; 23 ¾in. (60.4cm.) high. Estimate GBP 8,000 - GBP 12,000 (USD 10,240 - USD 15,360). © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Of baluster form rising from short, slightly splayed foot to waisted neck with flaring mouth, two handles to the body, the decoration consisting of large composite flowerheads under intersecting saz leaves, a wide band of scrolling floral tendrils and swaying leaves above and below, the foot with a simple blue lattice dotted in red.
The Collection of the Late Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi.
Note: By the nineteenth century, the introduction of the studio potter, led by Joseph-Théodore Deck, propelled a fascination with reviving Iznik-style pottery in Europe. Deck’s successful experiments with Iznik went on to inspire Ulisse and Giuseppe Canatgalli to produce their own works which paired the characteristic polychrome saz-style decoration with large, un-Ottoman forms (Denny, 2004, pp.221-222).
The impressive scale of our vase was most likely drawn from a vase in a Royal Italian collection published by Deck in 1887 (Deck, 1887, fig.11, p.26). Cantagalli’s fascination with reproducing known pieces in public and private collections is further illustrated by an almost identical vase produced by them which sold Christie’s, South Kensington, 22 April 2016, lot 426.
Christie's. Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs and Carpets, London, 2 April 2020
