AN IZNIK COBALT BLUE AND WHITE POTTERY TILE FRAGMENT WITH A PEACOCK, TURKEY, CIRCA 1540-50 | Iznik Pottery Tile

decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and turquoise with peacock, mounted

Ex-collection Sir Howard Hodgkin (1932-2017).
Piasa, Paris, 5 December 2005, lot 18.

Fragment, abrasion around edges and some associated discoloration and small chips, hairline scratches to glaze and minor pitting, set onto wooden mount with hook for hanging, the drawing crisp and neat, 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 fine drawing like quality of this tile is exceptional. It is comparable to the drawings in the albums of Murad III (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Vienna) and an ink drawing in the Topkapi Palace Library, Istanbul, inv.no. H.2135, fol.14a (illustrated in Raby & Atasoy 1989, pp.102-3, nos.115-7). A dish in the Österreichisches Handelsmuseum für Angewandte Kunst, Vienna, inv.no. OR788, demonstrates the same level of detail and quality, attributed to circa 1545.