AN IZNIK BLUE AND GREEN POTTERY ‘GRAPE’ DISH, TURKEY, CIRCA 1565 |

of deep rounded form, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and green, a central design of bunches of grapes amongst curling leaves and tendrils, a wide cavetto with scrolling blossom, the exterior with similar blossom design

Intact, with a small break near the edge with associated restoration and overpainting, the glaze and colours bright and strong, minor hairline scratches to glaze in centre and some discoloration to exterior with few minor hairline cracks (also discolored). We would recommend contacting a professional conservator on advice for cleaning this discoloration, 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 sixteenth-century dish is based on a Ming design from the beginning of the fifteenth century, of which there are examples in the Topkapi Palace (see R. Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Museum Istanbul, vol.II, London, 1986, nos.605 and 606. The potters at Iznik may have had first-hand knowledge of the Chinese porcelains at court, but more likely, they were sent drawings or pounced studies by draughtsmen working in a kitabkhana. The fact that the grape motif is reversed compared with the Chinese model supports the theory that a transfer was used. 

It remained popular as a pattern on Iznik throughout the sixteenth century and a number of variations are now in museum collections. There is an almost identical example in the Freer Gallery of Art (see Atil 1973, no.83), another rimless example with both blue and green glazes from the collection of Lady Barlow, Cambridge (Atasoy and Raby, pp.198-99, no.717) and a further example sold in these rooms, 17 October 1997, lot 39.