Iznik ceramics such as the dish were used for symbolic and decorative purposes. The arrangement of leaves and flowers, and the need of a single viewpoint for a full appreciation indicate that it would have most probably been placed in wall niches or in display cabinets. The importance of gardens as an Islamic symbol of paradise meant that most floral and vegetal designs, including the tulips, roses, palmets, dianthus, carnations, pomagranates, grapes, clouds, çintemani, leafs and lifetree.
Carnation In the 16th century İznik was the workshop of all Ottoman Palaces. And around İznik there were lots of carnation gardens. In ceramics carnation symbolizes the symbolic intermingling of the earthly garden and the heavenly gardens of paradise.
Rose Fully grown and mature rose does always look up so that its glory can be seen by God as well. And also it symbolise the proper of İslam and the love of proper.
Tulip ulips represent submission and modesty as well as true love. Also in the 16th century the artists used tulips to show the love of God. It is one of the well known symbols of Islam culture and also Iznik Ceramics with also carnation.
Dianthus With its magnificient lacework leafs, dianthus flowers represent refreshment, regeneration and the upcoming spring.
Palmet Palmet or lotus flowers are considered as a positive sign just because of their design and therefore are a symbol of the transition from the 'Sunset to Sunshine'.
Bunch of Grapes With their curvy tendrils the grapes and with their seed stored spines the hasheesh flowers represent the richness and plentifullness.
Pomegranate Pomegranate fruit is the fruit of Paradise, regarded as sacred in Anatolia. It is even believed that scattering pomegranate fruit inside the house of in a newly-wed bride will make the marriage long-lasting and productive, as well as making the family rich, with many children who will have long life. It, therefore, symbolizes abundance and fertility.
Clouds The cloudy motif is usually used to connect and/or complete the patterns, and it is interrelated with the dragon motif.
Çintemani The Çintemani motif is one of the most common motifs and is formed from 3 pearls. It is oftenly used with the Cloud Motifs. It has been considered as the signs of the Art Leopard and is a true symbol for protection. Moreover since Çintemani is a symbol for power and strength it has been commonly used in the designs on the clothes of the Sultans. In the other hand 3 together clouds symblisze the power of ottoman emperor on the 3 continents of the world.
LEAF It is a motif which is related to life and death. It is believed that a person dies with every falling leaf and a person is born with every new leaf. It is also symbolizes the immortality of the spirit. The nature?s color green is a symbol of heaven.
LIFETREE It is a big, tall tree which is believed to have grown out of the centre of the world, living for centuries, knowing the secrets of the world, and being close to the universal powers. It is a tree, which is regarded as the stairs of human journey from the underground to the sky, its knots grasping the world and its branches hosting the birds of Paradise. Denoting life and death, the Tree of life is often used in carpets and İznik tiles as an Anatolian motif. The birds of life that will fly away when the time comes. It is believed that after death spirits come to the branches of this tree to envoy endless happiness.
