Dish 1865 - 1875

This earthenware dish with underglaze painting was made by Joseph-Théodore Deck in France during the late 19th century. Deck was known for his revival of Islamic ceramics, particularly those of Iznik, a town in Ottoman Turkey. Looking at the dish we see an intricate floral design dominated by a rich cobalt blue, with stylized tulips, rosettes and other botanical motifs. The visual codes used here create meaning through cultural references to the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought inspiration in non-Western traditions, and, of course, to the art of Iznik, an important artistic movement in the Ottoman Empire. But why would a French artist in the 19th century look to Iznik for inspiration? Understanding this requires situating Deck's work within the context of 19th-century Orientalism and colonialism, where European artists and designers appropriated and reinterpreted non-Western art forms. This dish is a reflection of the complex cultural exchanges and power dynamics of its time. Further research into Deck's career and the market for Orientalist ceramics in 19th-century Europe will help us to understand the significance of this work.