An Iznik polychrome border tile, Turkey, 16th century

of rectangular form, moulded and painted in underglaze cobalt blue and relief red and outlined in black with a zig-zag design

This form of geometric decoration, rare on tilework which favours floral and foliate forms, is commonplace on other decorative objects such as tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl inlaid boxes and furniture. A similar tile was sold through these rooms, 11 October 2006, lot 221.