IZNIK: the Pottery of Ottoman Turkey by Atasoy, Nurhan; Raby, Julian; Petsopoulos, Yanni (editor) - 1994

Alexandria Press London in association with Thames and Hudson, 1994 Book. Fair. Hardcover. 2nd Edition. English text; Hardcover (with dust jacket); 27 x 37.5 cm; 3.25 kg; 384 pages with 991 illustrations, 303 in colour.; Used book with minor signs of wear, however the hinge is slightly loose, but the binding remains firm.; The ceramics of Iznik were among the finest works of art produced in the Ottoman Empire. The technical quality of this pottery and the beauty and immediacy of its designs have long made it one of the most popular art forms from the Islamic world. The Iznik ceramic industry was established and patronized by the Court of the Sultans, and its successive stylistic phases reflect the major changes in Ottoman taste from the late 15th to the 17th century. Starting with the elaborate blue-and-white arabesque style of the late 15th century and gradually developing into the bold and vibrant naturalism of the second half of the 16th century, the decorative repertoire of the potters included a phase when Iznik pottery was influenced by Chinese Yuan and Ming blue-and-white porcelain, of which the Ottoman Sultans have bequethed us an oustanding collection. When it was first published in 1989, this book established itself as the definitive account of the subject. Based on many years of research, this study is the only comprehensive survey devoted to Iznik pottery vessels. It establishes a firm typology and chronology for these wares, fully documenting every distinct group. The wealth of illustrations and reference material has been assembled from all the major public and private collections throughout the world..