AN IZNIK POLYCHROME POTTERY DISH FEATURING A STAG, TURKEY, CIRCA 1580-85 |

fritware body painted in underglaze cobalt blue and relief red outlined in black on a dark green ground, with a stag, owl and birds surrounded by stylised rosettes to rim, underside with foliate details, one drill to the foot and collection label

Sotheby's, London, 20 April 1983, lot 159. 

Intact, one break near edge with associated restoration, infill and overpainting, hairline cracks along edges, minor abrasion, one drill hole for hanging in rim, another in 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 seemingly random grouping of quadrupeds and birds at the centre of this dish create a lively menagerie effect. Traditionally, these motifs can be traced back to the figural Seljuq artworks found in Anatolia and Balkan silverwork. The influence of this on Iznik occurs in the later sixteenth century although examples as early as 1545 are known (see Atasoy and Raby 1989, col. ill. p.214, p.256, no.374). When comparing dishes with similar decoration, one notices a re-occurring trend to use the same animals, suggesting that a drawing book would have been available to the potters from which to draw inspiration. For example, the owl on our dish is also found on a dish in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inv. no.1979.412, as are the simpler birds. A similar stag to the one on the centre of our dish is also present on a dish in the Cincinnati Art Museum, Ohio. Further variations of this design are in the Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon (inv. no.779), Musee d'Ecouan (inv. no.E.CI.8357).