AN IZNIK POTTERY DISH WITH QUATRE FLEURS DECORATION
Ottoman Turkey, second half 16th century

Of typical shallow rounded shape, resting on a short straight foot, rising to a gently everted rim, the body painted in cobalt blue, red bole, copper green and black against a white ground, the centre and cavetto decorated with the typical Ottoman Quatre Fleurs composition, featuring a central stylised saz leaf surrounded by delicate sümbül (hyacinths), karanfil (carnations), karayemiş (plum blossom) and an iâle (tulip), the rim with a rock-and-wave motif, the exterior with copper green and black stylised roundels, 30cm diam.