Ottoman blue and white Iznik pottery tile, 16th-17th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
16th-17th century
This rectangular Iznik pottery tile from Ottoman Turkey dates to the 16th-17th century and exemplifies the refined ceramic traditions of the period. The tile features an underglaze-painted design on a white ground, utilizing a palette of cobalt-blue and turquoise.
The central composition depicts flowers emerging from a vase, encased within a foliate reserve and surrounded by typical motifs including scrolling saz leaves, palmettes, and clusters of lotus and cherry blossoms arranged in the corners. A continuous band of leaves creates a decorative border around the perimeter. The tile measures 31.3 x 27.5 cm and weighs 2 kg; its reverse side remains unglazed and is currently fitted with a metal bracket and loop for wall mounting.
The piece shows signs of historical use and age, including firing flaws such as pitting and dark spots, along with nicks, chips, and a notable past repair with associated cracks, reflecting its enduring history as part of architectural decorative panels in palaces or mosques.
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
- Weight
- 2 kg
- Material
- pottery
- Dimensions
- 31.3 x 27.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Decoration technique
- underglaze painting
Design
- Border
- continuous band of leaves
- Obverse
- central foliate reserve with vase of flowers, saz leaves, palmettes, lotus and cherry blossoms
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.