Iznik Pottery and Tiles: In the Calouste Gulbenkian Collection (Hardback)

After more than 20 years since the Gulbenkian's Iznik pottery catalogue was published comes this book celebrating the impressive decorative repertoire and the great diversity, quantity and quality of Ottoman ceramic ware gathered by Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian. A selection of 80 representative objects of the various production periods from the beginning of the 16th century to the industry decline in the 17th century are presented, including tiles from Ottoman Turkey. After a brief history of the collection, the book introduces the various types of ware according to decoration, taking into account chronological criteria. The second part, which is dedicated to tiles, deals with large panels, frieze and border tiles, most of which are on permanent display. Calouste Gulbenkian's first acquisitions as a collector of Ottoman ceramics were four fritware dishes from Iznik that he bought in 1898 at Christie's in London, two of which are of the highest quality, decorated over a scale background. During the following 40 years, Gulbenkian gathered at a constant pace the remaining pieces making up this important group, which also includes the magnificent ceramic tile panels.