A large London delftware blue-dash tulip and carnation charger, circa 1665-80

painted in yellow, ochre, blue and green with tulips and carnations issuing from a fenced green mound, within a border of pomegranates and foliage, the reverse with a lead glaze

British Antique Dealers Association paper label

There are two fine hairline cracks to the rim. One measures approximately 8.7cm long, located at 4 o'clock on the clock face. The other fainter crack measures approximately 10cm long, located at 8 o'clock on the clock face.
"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."

Dishes painted with tulips and other flowers reflect `tulipomania', a craze which swept through Holland and the rest of Europe in the late sixteenth and early seventeeth centuries. Tulips were introduced into Western Europe from Turkey in the sixteenth century and Turkish dishes from Iznik painted with tulips  made there way north and provided a source of design for European painters. The bi-coloured leaves on the border of the present dish derive from Italian maiolica and are found also on contemporary Netherlandish earthenware, as are the pomegranates.