Iznik pottery tile decorated with saz leaves
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
second half of 16th century
This square Iznik pottery tile from Turkey, dating to the second half of the 16th century, serves as a refined example of Ottoman ceramic art. The tile features a distinctive design centered around two interwoven 'saz' leaves, a motif popularized by court artists like Şahkulu.
These long, curved, pointed fronds are complemented by 'khatai' blossoms filled with prunus flowers situated in the corners. The decoration is executed in a vibrant color palette of red, blue, green, and black outlines, all set against a white ground. The entire surface is finished with a transparent glaze, adding depth and cohesion to the complex, forest-like composition that creates a strong sense of visual movement.
The tile measures 17.5cm x 21.5cm. Historically, the piece features an old label on the verso with handwritten Greek text indicating it was once displayed in a private dining room. This style of ceramic, juxtaposing spring blossoms with the dramatic saz leaf, reflects the sophisticated aesthetic preferences of the Ottoman court studios during the peak of Iznik ceramic production.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Glaze
- transparent glaze
- Material
- pottery
- Dimensions
- 17.5cm x 21.5cm
Design
- Motif
- saz leaves, khatai blossoms, prunus flowers
- Colors
- red, blue, green, black on white ground
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.