Large Iznik polychrome tile, Turkey, c. 1575
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1575
This large Iznik polychrome tile, dating to the third quarter of the sixteenth century, represents a significant example of Ottoman ceramic production. Measuring 35.6cm by 32.5cm, the tile is decorated in underglaze colors including cobalt blue, turquoise, apple green, and a distinctive relief 'sealing wax' red, all set against a white ground with black outlines.
The iconography features a central design of a spiraling rose spray with a large radiating flowerhead. This is framed by a band of meandering flowering branches, which include saz leaves, rosettes, and palmette flowerheads. The composition is further adorned with a corner spandrel decorated with interlocking split-leaf palmettes and cloudband arabesques. The tile's intricate design and high quality of execution are characteristic of imperial commissions, likely intended for architectural projects of the highest order such as the Topkapi Palace.
The combination of floral and geometric motifs, skillfully adapted to the arched layout of the piece, reflects the artistic standards prevalent during the reign of Murad III.
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
- Materials
- Ceramic with underglaze colors
- Dimensions
- 35.6cm x 32.5cm
Technical characteristics
- Decoration method
- Underglaze with relief red
Design
- Motifs
- Rose spray, radiating flowerhead, saz leaf, rosette, palmette, cloudband arabesques, split-leaf palmettes
- Palette
- Cobalt blue, turquoise, apple green, relief red, black
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.