A Rare and Important Kütahya Incense Holder, Turkey, circa 1740-45

of deep quatrefoil shape with lobed handle, decorated in green, yellow, red, light blue and purple with black outlines in the so-called Sivaz style, featuring a seraphim to the internal base, the panels decorated on the inside and outside with large flowers and serated leaves, each separated by a thin zig-zag outline, the handle with stylised leaves

In overall good condition, intact, with minor surface abrasion along external rim and minor chip near right-eye of seraphim, 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.
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A remarkably similar incense burner of quatrefoil form with a large ornamental handle can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no.35-1892). It is dated to 1740-1745 and painted with bright polychrome tones in the so-called Sivaz style, attributable to a group of pottery with similar decoration either from the town of Sivas (Sebastia), or by a potter from that town (Carswell 1972, vol II, p.34). A second comparable piece, formerly in the Kelekian Collection, can be found in the Cincinnati Art Museum (inv. no.1952-272) (see Arthur Lane, Later Islamic Pottery, London, 1957, p.64).  

The present incense holder represents a rare and magnificent example of Kütahya pottery and epitomises its intense chromatic decoration. Due to its unusual form and exceptional decoration this incense-holder scarcely expresses any debt to or descent from Iznik ware. It marks a turning-point in the history of Ottoman ceramics and represent the opening of the Kütahya era. It is an indicator of the richness of the future production of the Kütahya ateliers, including complex pieces such as small tea and coffee wares, jugs, ewers, and oddities such as lemon-squeezers, as well as tiles and hanging ornaments.

It is most probable that such incense burners would have been made for use by the Armenian community in the early eighteenth century, demonstrated by the presence of the seraphim on the base (Crowe 2011). Such seraphim are sometimes illustrated with Orthodox crosses on Kütahya hanging ornaments. A number of such ornaments are offered for sale in these rooms 24 April, lots 182-3, 194 and 195. For a further discussion on such incense holders, please see Carswell 1972, vol. II, pp.70-72.