An exceptionally rare early Iznik inkwell or water-pot, Turkey, circa 1525-35

of globular form with neck and footring set with later metal mounts, painted in underglaze cobalt blue and turquoise with a frieze of curling leaves and tendrils interspersed with larger leaves alternating with cloudbands highlighted in turquoise, the rim with a minor band of tight blue spirals

The present lot shows similarities in decoration to an earlier fragmentary jar with metal rim from a private collection in Genoa, published in Atasoy and Raby 1989, no.298.  The delicately rendered double-cloudband clips and stylised lotus leaves echo the motifs of earlier 'Baba Nakkas' ware. The addition of turquoise to the palette is consistent with a date of circa 1525-35. 

A comparable vessel of smaller size, possibly an inkpot, was sold in these rooms, 29 April 1993, lot 97. Three further related jars, including a waster from Kütahya with additional lug handles, are published by Carswell (Carswell, J., 'Two Tiny Turkish Pots; Some Recent Discoveries in Syria', Islamic Art, II, Genoa and New York, 1987, pp.203-216). The larger size of the present example suggests a use other than for ink, possibly as a water-jar for use on a scribe's table. One such blue and white example can be seen in the depiction of the nakkashane, or scriptorium, in the Surname of Mehmed II, circa 1596 (TKS Library, inv. no. H.1609, fol.74a).

The simple elegant form and tightly controlled arabesque design epitomises the early Iznik blue and turquoise style, with the artist breaking away from the imposed designs of the nakkashane and adopting a more individual and painterly approach.