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Dish in Iznik Style

ca. 1867
Théodore Deck

Consequent upon increasingly broad distribution, the Arab and Ottoman heritage markedly increased its presence and powers of attraction in the European capitals. Born in Alsace, Théodore Deck (1823−1891) learned the craft of faience production in Strasbourg before moving to Paris, where he frequently visited the Musée de Cluny and its renowned collection of Iznik ceramics. Regarding this, he wrote, “The rose, the tulip, the French marigold, the symbolic cypress, the hyacinth, the anemone and the grape are presented with real or conventional but always harmonious colours in endlessly varying arrangements, the same decoration never being repeated”. Théodore Deck made himself known at the Paris World’s Fair of 1867 with his bleus de Deck inspired by Turkish ceramics. He constantly reinterpreted the Islamic repertoire in an effort to enhance its spirit and renew its form. Having become a master of enamels and glazes through close study, he accomplished one feat after another, as shown by this dish of 1867 with its gleaming white ground, subtle polychromy and whirling pattern.

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Artist: Théodore Deck
Title: Dish in Iznik Style
Geography: Paris, France
Date: ca. 1867
Medium: ceramic with underglaze and polychrome decoration
Classification: container, vase, tableware
Dimensions: 5.5 x 41.5 x 41.5 cm
Inventory number: LAD 2012.016
Contact for images: [email protected]
Permalink: https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/Explore/online-collection/dish-in-iznik-style-2
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