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

Of shallow rounded shape, resting on a short, pierced, circular foot, rising to a gently everted rim, the white interior painted in cobalt blue, green, bole red, and black outlines, decorated with a sinuous red-dotted saz leaf springing from a tuft of green and blue grass and crossing the centre of the dish, surrounded by a floral triumph with red carnations, a blue tulip, hyacinths and red plum blossoms (karayemiş), the rim enhanced with a Chinese-inspired 'rock and wave' motif, the exterior with blue and green spiraling roundels, 29.3cm diam.