Eight Delftware pottery tiles, by Ravesteijn, Utrecht, Netherlands, second half 19th century

each of square form, decorated in blue on white each with an Ottoman figure within a landscaped medallion, the corners with stylised foliate designs

each with some abrasions and pock marks to surfaces. no major losses to any, 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."

This highly decorative group of tiles depicts figures from Ottoman life, such as a captain of the Janissaries. The figures depicted are all from the sixteenth century and are taken from the Dutch translation of the book Navigations et pérégrinations orientales by Nicolas de Nicolay, published in Lyons in 1568 (van Lemmen 1997, pp.74-5). The Dutch translation, entitled De Schipveart ende Ryesen gedaen int Land van Turckyen ('Sea Journeys and Travels Undertaken in the Land of the Turks'), was published in 1576 following the popularity of the French volume.

Ravesteijn of Utrecht drew on this source for his set of tiles sometime in the second half of the nineteenth century. They were made in a special format, approximately 6 inches square, for the English market where foundries, such as Coalbrookdale in Ironbridge and Thomas Elsley in London, set them into iron fire grates.