Cer, Iran, Safavid, Fritware, c. 1694-1722, underglaze blue

A brown rim lines the narrow flange with its blue band interrupted by small squares. The well is filled with a double S-stem with knotted scrolling around six flowers and six long-stemmed buds. A further narrow band of scrolling leaves surrounds an unusual type of lotus from which emerge four leafy branches and four neat buds at the tip of a stem. Four sketchy flowers flowers on the outside scroll amdist small loose leaves and twigs. A plain band leads to the base ring which has no mark.

Historical significance: Traditionally aster has been the name given to the ubiquitous Kangxi flower which appears on a number of Chinese export wares, such as dishes, bowls and small containers. By the turn of the century the pattern had almost become a trade mark along the sea routes to Europe and inevitably the Persian potter adopted it and adapted it to decorate bowls as well as dishes. Persian potters would frequently alter the aster pattern by adding original details. For example by adding new motifs in the centre of dishes or adding outside decoration as can be seen in this dish.

Persian blue and white ceramics were primarily produced during the rule of the Safavid Dynasty in Iran (early 16th century to early 18th century). Iranian potters were almost exclusively preoccupied with making wares in the styles of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain some close copies and some more fanciful. Echoes of earlier traditions remained, in particular in the black-under-turquoise colour scheme that dates back in Iran to the end of the 12th century. Towards the end of the 16th century there was a widening of interest that blossomed in the 17th century to a wide range of styles and techniques in which blue and white plays a dominant but not exclusive role.

1244-1876