“Tile Panel”
“Tile Panel” is an array of intricate hand-painted ceramic İznik tiles. This was produced in İznik, Turkey during the late sixteenth century. İznik pottery is known for its intricate floral designs and rich colors of turquoise and cobalt blue. Besides tiles, the workshops produced a variety of products including bowls, pitchers, dishes, lamps, jars, and candlesticks.
The town of İznik is located about 50 miles southeast of the city of Istanbul. Today it is part of Turkey, but in the fifteenth century, it was part of the Ottoman Empire. The workshops of the town began their ceramic production in the fifteenth century. The earlier styles were influenced by Chinese porcelain, with intricate designs of cobalt blue on white.
During the sixteenth century, the İznik workshops were commissioned by the Ottoman court to produce a large sum of ceramic architectural tiles to adorn significant structures within the city. There was a boon in construction during this time, and these decorative tiles were highly sought after for their obvious decorative qualities. The production soared and the workshops spiked in popularity. As their patronage changed, so did their style. The İznik designs developed into more loose strokes. New colors were added to their ceramics, including greens, orange, yellow, and brown.
Towards the end of the sixteenth century, the construction boom in Istanbul receded from its high point. There were fewer commissions as the patronage of the Ottoman Court had ended. With the lack of demand, the workshops changed their styles to try and boost their sales. Porcelain from China also came in around this time, and quickly became popular, overshadowing the İznik workshops. The workshops remained in operation until 1678, when the last known İznik ceramic was made.
İznik tiles can still be seen today on the walls of palaces, mosques, tombs, and libraries in Istanbul, including the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, the tomb of Selim II, and the Topkapı Palace complex.
“Tile Panel” is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, in the United States.
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