A Rare Iznik Polychrome Footed Bowl and Cover, Turkey, Circa 1590

the body of rounded form set on a high pedestal foot, dome-shaped cover with a bud form finial set on top, the surface painted in cobalt blue, relief red, green and outlined in black with S-shaped designs forming palmette form motifs and interlaced scrolling patterns filling the background, a similar motif painted inside at the base, a band of keyfret patterning at junction between bowl and cover

Break and repair to lid but overall in good condition and the bowl intact, minor surface wear and abrasion associated with age, glaze losses to extremities, colours strong, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

With their thin-walled bodies and loosely-fitting lids these types of Iznik forms have a particularly fragile nature with a high rate of breakage; intact examples are therefore extremely rare. In fact only very few examples have survived and many great collections as well as the Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon with one of the most comprehensive Iznik collections do not own a single similar piece. The metal prototype of this form is illustrated in Raby and Atasoy no. 635, alongside a sole pottery example, sold by Sotheby's, 13 April 1988, lot 349 (Raby and Atasoy 1989, no. 636).