AN IZNIK POLYCHROME POTTERY DISH, OTTOMAN TURKEY, CIRCA 1560-65 |

of shallow rounded form with sloping bracketed rim, decorated in underglazed blue, light green and orange outlined in black, with sprays of tulips and carnations emanating from a leafy tuft, the reverse with alternating flowerheads and tulips, old collection label '231'

According to family tradition this bowl was acquired by Thomas Cook (1808-1892) the originator of package holidays, who founded the travel agency Thomas Cook & Son;
thence by descent to Frances Beatrice Steward, neé Cook (1897-1991);
who left it to her second cousin;
Sir John Smith

Intact, a hairline crack not longer than 8 cm. running on the rim at approximately 10 o'clock. The rim and the foot with a drill hole for hanging, fritting to the rim and minor chips, the rim and the foot have been sprayed, associated discoloration visible on exterior particularly, 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 orange, rather than red colour on this dish indicates that it dates from the earliest years of the use of red at Iznik, a development which is thought to have occurred during the last years of the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent (r.1520-66). At its inception, the red was applied in a thinner manner and hence took on a more orange-red appearance after firing. The foliated rim of this dish features alternating bunches of flowers and paired tulips; two decorative characteristics associated with dishes of the 1560s (see Atasoy and Raby 1989, p.230). A similar dish is now in the Freer Gallery, Washington, inv.no.69.26 (published in ibid., p.229).