Iznik Pottery, Sterling Silver & Gems: Perfect Recipe for Turkish Jewelry Delights Part 1
As you may already know, I enjoy incorporating unique materials into my handmade Sterling silver and gemstone jewelry such as ceramics & antique glass. For me these materials are important for two reasons. First of all these encourage me work together with other artists, especially pottery makers. Also, they give me a chance to re-purpose existing art or antiques and give them another chance so that they can be further admired.
In part 1 of this blog I will tell you about the Harem Charm Bracelet that I made. This vibrant bracelet is an oriental combination gemstones set in Sterling silver and many charming artifacts of the Near East. The centerpiece is a ceramic bead handmade by a fellow local artist displaying a red tulip on a white background within a blue frame. I have set this beautiful ceramic tulip in Sterling silver. A gold plated reproduction Ottoman coin and an elegant old dress ornament are also used as authentic & ethnic charms. Once again both are set in Sterling silver. Gemstones of jade, garnet, lapis lazuli and agate are all set in Sterling silver to give this bracelet an amazing sparkle and its lively energy and color. Stylish, historical and sophisticated the Harem bracelet is for those who desire something truly one-of-a-kind from a far away land.
The ceramic bead with the tulip pattern is a modern day take on the traditional Iznik style pottery making. Iznik is a town in the Western part of Turkey with rich history and culture. From 15th century to late 17th century the craftsmen of this Ottoman town has produced amazing pottery pieces with an exceptional quality and a unique style. Just check these lovely tiles of Topkapi Palace Harem which is located in Istanbul overlooking the Bosphorus.
Following the conquest of Constantinople, which is the modern day Istanbul, many disciplines of art experienced a wave of renovation and innovation. To meet the demand from the elite class many luxury objects included pottery were created with technical excellence that showed exceptional quality. These high quality pottery wares were in high demand in the domestic market. Later, they were exported to Italy as well. Although Iznik was the center for pottery, another city Kutahya also produced such pottery. In fact today both cities still produce pottery, but the latter is the major player compared to the former.
See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Queiroz Ribeiro, Maria (2009) Iznik pottery and tiles in the Calouste Gulbenkian collection, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, p. 58 Fig. 24 ISBN: 978-972-8848-58-3.
By UnknownAa77zz (Own work) [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
What makes Iznik pottery special is the fact it has a fritware body painted with cobalt blue under a colorless transparent lead glaze. Furthermore, they feature meticulous designs that combined traditional Ottoman arabesque patterns with Chinese elements. Chinese pottery was well known and highly admired in the Islamic World at the time. Iznik pottery has elements of Safavid pottery that were adapted rather than imitated, and in turn it is also known that Safavid pottery was influenced by Chinese designs. In the mid-16th century, Iznik style pottery fully matured with its signature floral patterns and abstract motifs.
It is nice to know that Iznik pottery is highly sought after today and it is in high demand which is nice for conservation of these marvelous antiques. In addition to the antiques that are available, many workshops and masters in Turkey still practice this traditional art and introduce their take on the designs. I personally love ceramic ware and given the chance I use them in my jewelry designs.
I will show some more of my designs in the weeks to follow. So stay tuned and thanks for reading my blog.
