Dish with 'Tughra-illuminator' Design

Unknown

ca. 1540–50 · Stonepaste; painted in blue under transparent glaze · Islamic Art

This type of ware was originally referred to as "Golden Horn ware". The delicate monochromatic effect of the tiny rosettes and schematic leaves in tightly coiled spiral vines derives from Ottoman calligraphy, especially the tugras, or royal monograms of the sultans. This design contrasts strongly with the bolder, less restrained floral patterns used in the bulk of surviving Iznik ceramics.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1540–50

Medium

Stonepaste; painted in blue under transparent glaze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1941