Customer Reviews

Iznik: The Artistry of Ottoman Ceramics

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm not a fan of art or religion, I'm a practical sort of girl. I took a class on Islamic art though, and found myself fascinated by Ottoman ceramics. Finding this book in the library, I sat down and flipped through it, and to my surprise, found myself crying. Crying, because everything in this book was so beautiful. I've never done that before. I have to buy this book. I must own this. I've never felt so moved by anything my whole life, and I don't say that lightly. The photographs are exquisite, the details visible are finer than the unaided eye can see. The colors are beyond words. The historical context presented is well-written, interesting and exciting. I told my teacher after the class that she'd opened the door to a whole new world for me, and this book just blew that door off its hinges.

Buy this book.

This is the authoritative work on the magnificent ceramics and tilework of 16th century Ottoman Turkey, one of the high points of Islamic art. Beautiful photographs; informative, readable text.

I have been a collector of pottery for years. I own several pieces of Iznik pottery because I find the artistry superb.

My husband gave me this book for Christmas and I have been learning so much more about the pieces I own, the culture behind them, the motifs, etc. The photos in the book and the quality of the print process and binding are fabulous.

I am now proud to display this book on the table beside my pottery collection.

If you are a lover of beautiful art, a student of Ottoman culture or just a fan of gorgeous books... Do not think twice. This book s a wonderful publication!

I saw this book at the Metropolitan Museum of Art gift shop for $80, which of course I didn't want to pay, so I got it on Amazon for about half. Now I see the price has dropped, and of course there are some for even less than what I piad, which should encourage everyone to BUY THIS BOOK. I'm not normally a coffee table book kind of girl, but this one is the one to have if you like decorative arts. The colors are so striking, and the generosity of photos made me agree with the first reviewer, who was so struck by this book she couldn't get it out of her mind. I couldn't either! And now I own it, and for the times when I can't be bothered to heft it up (it's a big book), just staring at the cover photo of that carnation-like mandala of a flower makes me happy.

The book tells a fascinaing story,accompnied by beautifully presented colour plates of work done by skilled 16th century craftsmen. Some of the pieces and tilework can still be seen in Istanbul today.

I have only just begun my journey into Islamic art and Turkish pottery appreciation and this book is perfect for the novice. Page by page of glorious colour and easy to understand text that keeps you reading for hours. The cover alone draws the eyes of anyone in my home and it has been flicked open often. I am only a third of the way through but what I have read has inspired me to further study of the history.

Sept. 22,

Few words are necessary. Suffice it to say that The Artistry of
Ottoman ceramics is excellent, the very best that I can imagine,
with a wealth of colour plates. A fine introduction to the subject
and invaluable to the lover of Iznik artistry.

DAwn dell'Aria

I bought this for my wife after our trip to Istanbul. The artwork is beautiful and covers the varieties of Iznik ceramics. Of teh books available, I do not regret buying her this one and she loves it.