Lot 78: AN IZNIK POLYCHROME POTTERY TILE, TURKEY, CIRCA 1575

Finely decorated in the characteristic palette of bole-red, cobalt blue, and white. The tile features an interlacing pattern of scrolling palmettes, a hallmark of Ottoman ceramic design, set against a deep orange/red ground that provides striking contrast to the delicate floral and arabesque forms. The glaze retains a glossy finish, enhancing the vibrancy of the colours. The piece is presented within a later dark wooden frame. The reverse of the frame bears an old gallery label, identifying it as an Iznik pottery border tile, Ottoman Turkey, 16th century, with the stock number 1212. The label further describes the decoration: “The bole-red ground is decorated with white and cobalt blue with interlacing scrolling palmettes.” The dimensions are recorded as 31 x 19.5 cm.

Tile: 31 x 19.5cm 

Tiles of similar design, though with a turquoise ground, are in the Suleymaniye Mosque (1550-57) and the Tomb of Selim II (r.1574-75).

Provenance: British private collection