Page 264 - The Age of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent

latter is represented on a jug (187) that is decorated with
blossoms and buds similar to the naturalistic ones seen on the Four-color Ware with Red
plate. The rim contains a green band with spiral roundels; The classical type of Iznik pottery was established in the mid-
another green band decorated with chevrons and a thick blue sixteenth century after the development of the thick brilliant
line appears at the lower edge of the neck. The neck is red first used in the Siileymaniye Mosque, which was com­
adorned with two alternating sprays of flowers: one has a pleted in 1557. Within a decade it was employed on a variety
purple blossom drawn frontally, the other a blue flower of objects and tiles, which represented the full range of deco­
drawn in profile, both flanked by buds and leaves. The same rative repertoire of the age. There was hardly any shape or
combination, with larger elements, is repeated on the body; design that escaped the attention of the potters, who created
here, the purple sprays have additional pairs of blue buds. freely drawn, impeccably painted, and flawlessly glazed ex­
The stems on both the neck and body form softly curving amples both for the court and for domestic and foreign
diagonals as if swaying in the wind, similar to the effect pro­ markets.
duced in vertical-stem-pattern textiles (see 147). This simple The decoration, drawn in black and painted with blue, tur­
format with alternating views and colors creates a most at­ quoise, emerald green, and bright red, shows an exuberance
tractive and lively composition. The band above the foot has of themes and original compositions with very little duplica­
a braid pattern, while a simple greenish-black line encircles tion. The artists were able to paint any given surface, ranging
the foot. The handle is defined by two thick blue lines filled from spherical ornaments to immense tile panels that covered
with horizontal strokes. the walls of buildings. This ware also includes a rare group
Single-handle jugs, based on metal prototypes, were exe­ painted with tinted slips.
cuted in blue-and-white as well as polychrome painted wares Four-color iznik ware with red reveals a joyous celebration
(see 164, 194, and 198). The smaller ones, such as this ex­ of nature. Stylized and naturalistic flora in perpetual bloom,
ample, might have been used as individual serving pieces for representing paradise gardens and symbolizing eternal bliss,
liquids as well as containers for flowers, whereas the larger sacred and profane love, and good wishes for life on earth
ones functioned as pitchers. and hereafter, blend mystical concepts with more prosaic and

186. Plate with pinecones and blossoms, mid-sixteenth century (London, 187. Jug with floral sprays, mid-sixteenth century (Paris,
The British Museum, G. 1983.48) Musee du Louvre, 7257)

263