An Iznik Blue and White shallow dish, Turkey, circa 1570-80

of rimless, shallow form on a raised broad foot, the white slip background decorated with grey-blue interlacing flowering stems with foliate terminals and interspersed with lotiform blossoms, the rim with a frieze of small scrolls on the interior and exterior, the reverse also with garland of similar flowers and leafy stems

Turkophilia, Paris, 2010

Paris 2010, p.50

In good condition, once broken and restored, including some overpainting across surface, minor chips on rim, 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 dish, with its design of scrolling lotus flowers and cherry blossoms, demonstrates the influence of Chinese blue and white porcelains on Iznik potters.

It has an unusual rimless shape which is thought to have been introduced into the forms of Iznik by the 1540s (Atasoy and Raby 1989, p.38, nos.27-28). Such models occur with some regularity on pieces of the 1570s with similar designs drawn from Chinese repertoire (ibid., p.122-3, nos.189-191 and 194-5, for instance). The form itself is also probably derived from a Chinese model, originally in silver but mediated through lacquer or porcelain.