STORY BEHIND IZNIK BASIN
THAT’S FANCY: Yes. The Ottomans went in for beautifully decorative bowls.
IT’S OLD? Very. It dates from about 1545 to 1550 and was made in Iznik, Turkey, a major centre for ceramic production during the Ottoman era.
WHAT’S THAT PATTERN ALL ABOUT? Lotuses, saz leaves and tulips were all referenced in traditional Ottoman court art.
WAS IT FOR BOWL FOOD? No, it would have been used by the sultan and his entourage for their daily ablutions. A WASH BASIN? Exactly. Makes our porcelain look bland.
I DON’T SUPPOSE I COULD AFFORD IT: No chance, but you can see it in the newly opened Albukhary Foundation Gallery at the British Museum, which is full of wonders from the Islamic world. You could also treat yourself to an Iznik border mug in the British Museum shop, £6.99, britishmuseum.