Iznik production was undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements in the history of ceramics. The quality and ambition of the potting, the great range of attractive designs and the brilliance of the colours should all be celebrated, and once every few years a book appears that fulfils that aim. Ömer Koç's collection is so large and varied, and the new catalogue of his collection produced to such high standards, that its publication matches the eminence of the subject. Ömer Koç began to form his holdings in this field less than 20 years ago, but by 2009 he had already acquired 200 pieces, which were shown in an exhibition at the Sadberk Hanım Museum in Büyükdere on the Bosphorus, along with items drawn from the museum's own collection. The catalogue of this show, Dance of Fire: Iznik Tiles and Ceramics, also by Hülya Bilgi, was a hefty volume, but it pales by comparison with the new book. The collection is now more than a third larger, and the new catalogue is even bigger, more richly illustrated and better designed - and, of course, heavier, at some six kilos. Book reviewing has become a form of weight training.
Iznik production was undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements in the history of ceramics. The quality and ambition of the potting, the great range of attractive designs and the brilliance of the colours should all be celebrated, and once every few years a book appears that fulfils that aim. Ömer Koç's collection is so large and varied, and the new catalogue of his collection produced to such high standards, that its publication matches the eminence of the subject. Ömer Koç began to form his holdings in this field less than 20 years ago, but by 2009 he had already acquired 200 pieces, which were shown in an exhibition at the Sadberk Hanım Museum in Büyükdere on the Bosphorus, along with items drawn from the museum's own collection. The catalogue of this show, Dance of Fire: Iznik Tiles and Ceramics, also by Hülya Bilgi, was a hefty volume, but it pales by comparison with the new book. The collection is now more than a third larger, and the new catalogue is even bigger, more richly illustrated and better designed - and, of course, heavier, at some six kilos. Book reviewing has become a form of weight training.
