Fig. 344.—Dish for Rice.
The nearest approach to porcelain in Persian ware is a sort of siliceous frit or fine stoneware, which possesses a very slight degree of translucency but is not true porcelain composed of kaolin and petuntse like Chinese porcelain. Small creamy white basins, with the sides pierced with slashes and filled with translucent glazes, are semi-translucent and have the appearance of porcelain.
Fig. 345.—Rose-water Sprinkler.
Fig. 346.—Rose-water Sprinkler.
SYRIA AND TURKEY
Dr. Fortnum was of opinion that what is generally known as Damascus ware was probably made not only in that city but at Constantinople, Broussa, and all the principal sites of manufacturing industry throughout Syria and Asia Minor. It is distinguished by the great brilliancy of its enamel colours, the principal of which are a deep lapis-lazuli blue, turquoise, a vivid emerald green, a brilliant red purple, orange or buff, olive green and black. The pieces consist principally of circular dishes, jugs with long cylindrical necks and globular bodies, flasks, &c., and the best specimens were probably produced during the first half of the 16th century.