Extremely Rare Islamic Safavid Blue and White Large Dish Persian 16th Century.

This Safavid fritware dish is painted under the glaze in black and cobalt blue. The rim is decorated with blue and black ribbons and with two birds in the reserve. This design appears to be rare. A plate with similar design is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City Inventory #65.109.2 and another at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg Russia Inventory #VL-2213. Both plates are imperfect. Ceramics in the 16th Century Persia were expensive and appreciated as heirlooms. Broken dishes were not disposed of but repaired to the greatest extent. The tradition of metal repair with staples goes back a long time. This antique Safavid dish has all the elements of an inventive repair that has lasted for hundreds of years. It is almost impossible to find antique Islamic ceramic without any damage, losses and breaks.

Measurements: Diameter 13 ½” x H 2 ¾”

Condition: Wear. Extensive early restorations with wire staples.

Weight: 2 ½ lb less