Ceramics 2020 Gallery Auction

As Théodore Deck began his ceramics career in early 19th-century Paris, he developed an interest in traditional Islamic pottery and glazes. This interest fueled decades of research and development, eventually defining Deck’s style. One of his glazed earthenware vases will be highlighted in Schmidt’s Antiques’ upcoming Ceramics 2020 Gallery Auction. The piece was created in the style of the Mamluk sultans, who ruled Egypt between 1250 and 1517. During their reign, they sponsored many ceramicists in the western Anatolia region. Deck’s lamp invokes the style of those Persian artisans. Made with turquoise, red, and navy blue colors, decorative Arabic calligraphy wraps around the vase. Many of the artist’s other works are also available in this auction, including a swirled yellow and blue charger, a Turkish-inspired covered box, and an arabesque rosewater sprinkler. 

Several available ceramic tiles from Persia follow the same style as Deck’s vases. One notable piece from 1319 shows a man fighting a winged lion with mountains in the background. White calligraphy frames the scene, where the man appears to be stabbing the beast’s stomach. A more recent tile from the early Qajar dynasty shows Khosrow and Shirin, two characters from a Persian tragic romance, against a dark blue background. 

An Edo period tokkuri, or sake flask, will be available as well. This white porcelain piece has a low-relief decoration of dragons, tigers, flowers, and scrollwork. Completing the sale is a selection of English transferware items from the “Durham Ox” and “Indian Sporting” series. View each of these lots and register to bid on Bidsquare.