Iznik style ceramic brass mounted ink stand

The ceramic of this wonderful desk piece is decorated in the disctinctive Iznik style, featuring intrictate black detailing with floral motifs, vases, and scrolls, against a rich dark-turquoise ground.

Decoration of this sort was characteristic of Islamic pottery from c.1480-1700, named after Iznik, a town in western modern-day Turkey. Rich tones cobalt-blue became distinctive of these wares, and the sixteenth century saw a particular interest and appreciation for pieces in this style, which combined Arabesque and Chinese motifs, before the decline of the style towards the end of the seventeenth.

Later makers including many working in France revived the style, however, with one such work in the collection of the British Museum, for example. This particular piece is an inkstand, a very rare item to use this style of decoration, making it all the more important. The two lidden inkwells flank a central holder, and the piece is decorated with repeating pattern-work of vases and flowers. The pieces are mounted with brass structural elements and feet, with detailed engraving of flowers and plants to the base.