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$950
A richly decorated vintage Turkish Kütahya ceramic platter, hand-painted in vivid polychrome colors with an elaborate composition of Islamic calligraphy, Ottoman-inspired geometric ornament and intricate interlaced motifs. Dating to circa 1950, this substantial 12.5-inch decorative plate is signed on the reverse and represents the long-established ceramic tradition of Kütahya, one of Turkey's most important centers of pottery and tile production. The circular composition is particularly striking. Radiating from the center is a series of elongated cartouches filled with flowing calligraphic inscriptions, creating an almost sunburst-like design. Between the calligraphic panels are densely painted geometric fields incorporating interlacing patterns and small star motifs. Multiple decorative borders frame the composition and give the platter exceptional visual depth. The sophisticated palette combines turquoise, cobalt and lighter blue with green, burgundy-red, ochre and black against the warm white ground. The combination recalls the celebrated palette and ornamental vocabulary associated with historic Ottoman and Iznik-inspired ceramics while retaining the distinctive character of mid-20th-century Kütahya pottery. Each element has been individually painted by hand, from the fine calligraphic lines to the complex geometric latticework and surrounding borders. Slight variations inherent to the handmade process contribute to the character and individuality of the piece. The reverse is signed “Made in Turkey, Güven Çini, F.B., Kütahya,” providing an important connection to its place of manufacture. Designed as a decorative object, the platter incorporates a provision on the reverse allowing it to be displayed on a wall. Its 12.5-inch diameter makes it substantial enough to display individually as Islamic decorative art, while it would also work beautifully as part of a curated wall installation of Turkish, Ottoman, Persian or Middle Eastern ceramics. A highly decorative example of vintage Turkish ceramic artistry combining Islamic calligraphic ornament, geometric abstraction and the vibrant polychrome tradition for which Kütahya pottery is celebrated. Handcrafted and hand-painted in Kütahya, Turkey, circa 1950s.
