An Iznik polychrome pottery dish, Turkey, circa 1580-85

of shallow round form, decorated in underglaze green, blue and relief red, with a central flower emanating saz leaves set on a fish-scale ground, the rim with a breaking-wave motif, alternating tulips and flowerhead motifs to underside

Breaks with associated restoration, including overpainting, small abrasions to rim, small drill hole for hanging to foot, 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."

The fish scale motif that dominates the decoration on this dish resonates with both Ming wares from China (1368–1644) and Italian Majolica from the 1530s-1550s, demonstrating the trading advantage of the Ottoman Empire's central location. This design became very popular at the Ottoman court of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent (1520-66) and continued to grace dishes such as the present example until the 1580s (Paris 2005, pp.71 -87).