A fine Iznik blue and white pottery dish, Turkey, circa 1560-70

of shallow round form with everted rim, decorated in cobalt blue with central floral medallion encircled by four lotus palmettes enclosed by a leaf and tendril border, rim with breaking wave motif, the reverse with alternating chinoiserie and C-scrolls

In good condition, drill hole to foot for hanging, old collection label "MS/?", 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 designs on this dish indicate that its craftsmen drew inspiration from the Topkapi Palace's collection of more than five thousand pieces of Chinese blue and white porcelain. The present dish is particularly close in design to a fifteenth-century Ming piece in the Topkapi Palace, whereas the popular wave-and-rock design on the rim recalls fourteenth-century Yuan dynasty prototypes (Krahl 1986, p.513, no.602).