Collector's Corner

Octagonal Iznik-style tile, possibly from Syria, 18th/19th century, decorated with an intertwining flowerhead and leaf motif in cobalt blue, turquoise and brown glaze, diameter 10 inches. After conquering Constantinople in 1453, the Ottoman Turks launched a building boom that utilized much tiling and pottery from the town of Iznik in Turkey. The Iznik style utilized fritware with designs combining traditional Ottoman arabesque patterns and Chinese elements. Fritware was a low-fired mix, mainly of silica and glass.

Classical Iznik production declined after the 17th century, but works generically described as “Iznik”--such as this tile from Syria—continued to be produced into the modern era. This tile fetched $431 at a Skinner, Inc., Fall auction.