Page 274 - The Age of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent

They all have central medallions inside the base; in some the deviates from the scheme and shows a multipetaled red blos-
foot ring is also embellished. A few are symmetrical; the lid is som instead of a rose at its base. Between the roses are three
identical in shape and decoration to the bowl and the foot sprays with blue flowers. The central spray, which grows
ring is used as a knob. These examples served a double func- higher, has serrate-petaled flowers, while the lateral ones re-
tion; they were used as covered containers and, when sepa- peat the type used on the neck. The flaring foot is encircled
rated, as two individual pieces. by a series of black lines. The curving handle has two bold
Roses, mixed with other types of blossoms, also appear on vertical lines with horizontal strokes applied to the outer sur-
a jug (198). The rim of this example has the same band with face, following the formula used on ceramic jugs.
the bisected blossoms. The neck contains four stems with red The flowers, which grow upward from the base of the neck
flowers flanked by crocuses alternating with sprays bearing and the body, sway in alternating directions and create a
blue blossoms. A sketchy braid and a frieze of overlapping movement that enhances the rounded shape of the jug. This
petals encircle the lower edge of the neck. movement is countered by the swirling and bent branches,
The pear-shaped body is decorated with four rosebushes, which provide additional interest and enliven the composition.
each with two branches; one branch is upright and bears a The bent or broken branch that counteracts the energetic
large rose and the other bends over, breaks, and curves growth of sprays was a common device used in polychrome
downward, its blossom placed at the bottom. Leaves and wares and appears on an unusual plate representing two tiny
small crocuses grow from the same cluster. One of the bushes birds amid oversize blossoms (199). The foliate rim of this ex-

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