red paint in iznik tiles

[aurguplu]

one of the most salient aspects of the famous iznik tiles (çini) is the bright red paint that expands to form a convex surface underneath the glaze. it was in use throughout the classical period (first half of the 16th century) and then disapeared (for instance kütahya had a different red). it has recently been rediscovered by the iznik foundation in turkey.

 

although referred to as mercan kırmızısı (coral red) in turkish, it was also referred to as "gilermeni" (armenian clay) if i am not mistaken, and i heard several times that it was armenian. i have only one book on iznik written by a non-turk (julian raby) and several others written by turkish authors, and the armenian connection, if there was one, is not discussed as far as i can see.

 

does anyone know anything about this paint, and also, about any armenian glazed tile production prior to turkish arrival?

 

also, does anyone know anything about wares produced by iznik and kütahya for armenian customers (easter eggs etc) (there was some).

 

cheers,

[THOTH]

Don't know about any of this Ali - but when I was in Turkey in 1992 I bought some very nice glzed tiles (and plates & such)in kütahya...and had a pleasent time with the shopkeeper as I recall (he had Raki!) LOL.

 

I know some Armenians locally here that do fantasitc tile work. They were originally from Jeruslem where I understand they were quite famous 0- and no wonder - great stuff!

[aurguplu]

dear thoth,

 

thanks. the kütahya guys became famous after the decline of iznik in the late 16t century. and as far as i know, the armenians in jerusalem (those who do the tiles) were originally sent from kütahya by some sultan to do some repair work there.

 

there was some web site featuring their works, but frankly speaking between you and me, that blue and that red could have been richer (as far as i can see from the web site).

 

take care (& thanks for passing my message to mj),