An Iznik Polychrome Cintamani Jug, Turkey, Circa 1575

of compressed globular form with cylindrical neck and S-shaped handle, painted in underglaze cobalt blue, turquoise and relief red and outlined in black with an all over pattern of cintamani roundels interposed by tiger stripes, the rim, base, neck and handle with scroll and geometric bands

small chips to mouth and foot, minor abrasion and rubbing to glaze
"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."

The cintamani motif with groups of three crescents and pairs of (tiger) stripes was very popular in mid-sixteenth-century Ottoman Turkey, and appears on works of art in a variety of media, including woodwork, textiles and carpets. A jug formerly in the collection of Lady Barlow, Cambridge, is very similar in treatment (see Fehérvári, G., Islamic Pottery, A Comprehensive Study based on the Barlow Collection, London, 1973, no. 295). 

Part of a jug excavated at Iznik in 1984 is also decorated with bands of cintamani (see Aslanapa, O., et al, "The Iznik Kiln Excavations. The Second Round: 1981-1988", Istanbul, 1989, p.300). A splendid water-bottle (surahi) in the British Museum (inv. no. 78.12-30.466) with a cintamani design, has European gilt metal mounts, c.1580-1585 (see Atasoy & Raby 1989, no. 762). An almost identical jug was sold through our Monaco saleroom, 7th December 1991, lot 11, as part of the celebrated Lagonico collection.