Syrian tile design Ottoman dynasty 16th century Coffee Mug

The tile is from the Ottoman dynasty, dating back to the 16th or 17th century and created by artists in Syria. It belongs to a group of ceramics sometimes referred to as Damascus or Syrian ware, closely related to Iznik ceramics. These wares were produced in Damascus in the mid-16th century when Ottoman Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent sent Iznik potters to restore tilework at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. After their work was completed, these artisans settled in Damascus and continued to produce tiles and vessels. While similar in style to Iznik tiles, the ones made in Syria during the Ottoman period employed a different color palette to depict vegetal and geometric forms. Unlike the crisp white ground and vibrant tomato red used in Iznik ceramics, Syrian tilework tended toward a more muted color palette with natural greens and blues.