A SAMSON IZNIK-STYLE POTTERY EWER WITH OTTOMAN JANISSARY AND ARCHITECTURE
Paris, France, mid to late 19th century

Of compressed pyriform shape, resting on a short splayed foot, rising to a tall waisted neck with a moulded central ring, ending in a flaring drop-shaped mouth, surmounted by a domed hinged lid with pierced brass mount and knop finial, the upward-curved, S-shaped spout and sinuous handle both painted with stylised palmette leaves, the body decorated in vibrant cobalt blue, turquoise, green and bole red with a moulded drop-shaped cartouche on each side, one enclosing the figure of a janissary holding a flower and a long sword, the other with a stylised Ottoman pavilion, each surrounded by rosettes and stylised saz leaves in typical Iznik fashion, set against a dense background of floral sprays, the handle and neck adorned with alternating geometric and vegetal designs, the base bearing the painted Samson mark resembling the letter 'S' in Arabic.

35cm high

A nearly identical example was sold last month at Bonhams London, Islamic and Indian Art Sale, 22 May 2025, lot 57, achieving £2,560 including premium.