Iznik or Paris? Imitations of Ottoman Pottery in the Collection of the West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen

Abstract

Abstract The article focuses on imitations of Asian craftsmanship, manufactured during the 19th century and found in the West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen collection. The collection was created at the end of the 19th century. During that period the museum acquired both original Asian products and products manufactured in Europe under the influence of Asian art. In some cases, however, it happened that objects acquired for the collection a hundred years previously were later thought to be Asian originals. The Pilsen ewer is described in accounts records as a teapot made according to a Persian model. Although in the past it was confused with original work, today objects like this are an indication of the influence that Ottoman ceramics had not only on ceramics production in the second half of the 19th century Europe, and a reflection of the interest in and considerable popularity of Middle Eastern and Oriental arts and crafts in Europe.