AN IZNIK DISH WITH FLORAL TRIUMPH
Iznik, Ottoman Turkey, late 16th century

Of circular shape, resting on a short circular foot, rising to a gently everted flattened rim, underglaze painted in cobalt blue, copper green, bole red and black on a milky white ground, decorated with a sinuous saz leaf crossing the centre springing from a tuft of grass, surrounded by a floral triumph with red carnations, blue and red tulips and red plum blossom (karayemiş), the rim with a Chinese-inspired 'rock and wave' motif, the exterior with blue roundels and green flower-heads, 26cm diam.