Two Iznik Blue, White and Turquoise Hexagonal Tiles, Turkey, first half 16th century

both of hexagonal form, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and light blue against a white ground, featuring interlacing flowers and split-palmette scrolls

Both in fair condition, both with clean breaks visible on the underside and associated restoration including overpainting and retouching, some pitting with firing to larger tile and slight abrasion along external edge, the smaller one with a coat of revarnishing, 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 more sparsely decorated of these two early tiles is treated in a manner familiar from the tiles used to decorate the Sunnet Odasi in the Topkapi Saray in 1527-8 (illustrated in Carswell 1998, pp.60-61, fig.34). A tile from the same group as the second example, datable to 1540-45, was sold through these rooms, 12th April 1989, lot 66 (illustrated in Atasoy and Raby 1989, p.56, no.52b).