A fine and rare Iznik 'Damascus style' dish, Turkey, circa 1540

of shallow rimless form, painted in underglaze cobalt blue, sage green, manganese and outlined in black with scrolling tendrils emanating from a leafy tuft issuing composite floral rosettes and buds, the rim with a narrow band of scroll and wave motif, the reverse with alternating tulips and flowerheads below a narrow scrolling border

 

Some restorations with associated repair and overpainting, 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 belongs to one of the rarest and most sought after groups of Iznik, so-called "Damascus Style". Dating to the 1540s when manganese purple was still widely used before the introduction of bole red, this short phase marks an artistic highpoint in Iznik production characterised by a softer palette and lyrical floral designs that follow the physical curves of the dish. 

A number of related dishes are published in Atasoy and Raby 1989, especially nos.351 and 352, in the Louvre and an American private collection, respectively. Another close comparison is to a dish in the Tevfik Kuyas Collection exhibited at the Topkapi Palace Museum in 1983 (see The Anatolian Civilisations, vol. III, Istanbul, 1983, p.137, no.E.48).