Quartz ceramic pieces and tiles
Iznik pottery, which is one of the traditional Turkish ceramics, is a type of stonepaste ceramics. Stone-paste ceramics are also known as fritware and contain high amounts of ground quartz which is called frit. The main reason behind this characteristic of Iznik ceramics is to achieve a durability close to the porcelain, which its formula and production techniques were unknown outside China. But the Iznik masters kept improving, and as a result of great innovation, they also obtained a white paste.
The properties of the frit used in Iznik ceramics vary according to the place of use. For example, the frit used in the slip is more finely ground than the frit used in the paste. In addition to paste and slip, frit is used also in the clear glaze of Iznik ceramics. Due to the high quartz content of the components of Iznik ceramics in frit form, Iznik wares are also called as quartz ceramic pieces. The durability and whiteness obtained through frit have been defying to centuries. The quartz tiles adorning architectural works from the glorious days of the Ottoman Empire are still like the first day. The Iznik style quartz ceramic pieces, which are found in various collections and dating back to the 16th century, are still like new. Maybe masters who developed the formula and techniques passed away long before but their works have made them kind of immortal.
The properties of the frit used in Iznik ceramics vary according to the place of use. For example, the frit used in the slip is more finely ground than the frit used in the paste. In addition to paste and slip, frit is used also in the clear glaze of Iznik ceramics. Due to the high quartz content of the components of Iznik ceramics in frit form, Iznik wares are also called as quartz ceramic pieces. The durability and whiteness obtained through frit have been defying to centuries. The quartz tiles adorning architectural works from the glorious days of the Ottoman Empire are still like the first day. The Iznik style quartz ceramic pieces, which are found in various collections and dating back to the 16th century, are still like new. Maybe masters who developed the formula and techniques passed away long before but their works have made them kind of immortal.
