Islamic & Iznik Ceramic Tile Art

Shrouded in mystery, Islamic and Iznik ceramic tile art was influenced by many sources:

Roman, Early Christian art, and Byzantine styles were taken over in early Islamic art and architecture; the influence of the Sassanian art of pre-Islamic Persia was of paramount significance; Central Asian styles were brought in with various nomadic incursions; and Chinese influences had a formative effect on Islamic painting, pottery, and textiles.

De Ferranti's artisans are schooled in many styles and can handle commissions ranging from 'Islamic-Style' right through to Victorian Delft.

 

Iznik Ceramic Tile Art: Materials and Design

Developed under Ottoman court patronage from the late 15th to the 17th centuries, Iznik ceramics transformed blue-and-white influences into a distinctive language of cobalt, turquoise, green and coral red. Historic wares were generally formed from high-quartz fritware, coated with a pale slip, painted with mineral pigments beneath a transparent glaze and fired to create a clear, luminous surface. Contemporary pieces and commissions should be specified individually, as body, glaze, format and installation requirements vary.

Designs move between geometry and naturalism. Eight-pointed stars, medallions, arabesques and cloud bands are combined with tulips, carnations, saz leaves, rosettes, birds and fish. This balance makes the tradition suitable for repeated fields, framed panels and carefully positioned focal tiles. Within the collection, Cobalt Blossom Arabesque explores disciplined floral repetition, Iznik Azure Star Tile centres the composition on radiating symmetry, Ottoman Tulip Vine Tile uses a flowing botanical structure, and Three Fish Star Medallion brings figurative detail into a geometric frame.

De Ferranti can discuss scale, colour relationships, border development and bespoke panel layouts for residential, hospitality, religious and specialist interior projects. Samples and project-specific advice are recommended before specification, particularly where tiles are proposed near heat, water or demanding service conditions.

 

Project Guidance and Enquiries

For project guidance, availability, pricing, samples or further information, please contact us. Your enquiry will come directly to De Ferranti, and we will be pleased to discuss suitability, quantities, lead times and options for your project.