Iznik Pottery and tiles - a review

Iznik pottery and tiles in the Calouste Gulbenkian Collection, ISBN: 9789728847583

This book includes a brief history of the Calouste Gulbenkian collection and discusses different types of decoration in chronological order. Mention is made of the extent of Chineese influence on the Iznik styles as well as the positive outcomes of increased local demand and export. The second half of this book is dedicated to tiles looking at large panels, freizes and border tiles. The book discusses stylistic evolution and follows the use of 'traditional' forms and the inclusion of new symbols. Also highlighted is the evolution of the color pallet for which Iznik tiles are prized. Some lovely examples of experimental forms are included in this book such as a lovely tankard featuring salmon pink flowers (below).
The images in this book are beatifully presented with a good range of extant pieces so the reader can follow the evolution of the style. Information is provided t a level a non-expert would be comfortable with but enough additional references are included so that this becomes a good reference book rather than a pretty coffee table book.

9.5/10

Tankard, Turkey ca 1550. Item 17 in Iznik Pottery and Tiles. Inv. no. 834 in the Gulbenkian Museum collection.

Additional personal notes:

1520 - Turquoise was introduced into the Iznik pallet in the second decade of the 16th century (page 33). Previously, blue and white dominated the colour scheme, a trend adpoted from China

1530-1540 - Sage green (the third stage of evolution) came in

1540 onward  - violet was introduced (page 35)

1550-1570 - 'experimental stage'  uses dark and pale blue, violet, aubergine, light grey and olive green as well as lavender blue.(page 44)