A MAJESTIC 19TH CENTURY FRENCH PARIS MAMLUK STYLE POTTERY BASIN by Theodore Deck, moulded and decorated in cobalt blue, decorated with a band of kufic script interspersed by pole medallions. 38 cm x 21 cm. Note: Théodore Deck (1823-1891) was one of the most highly esteemed French ceramicists in the late 19th Century, inspired by the zeitgeist of Orientalism which pervaded French society at the time, he was famed for taking inspiration from Middle Eastern artefacts and developing bright glazes which mimicked those found on Iznik and other Islamic ceramics. He was celebrated particularly for the deep turquoise which he developed, known as "bleu de Deck". His work was displayed at the 1862 International Exhibition in London, from which the South Kensington Museum (now the V&A) purchased three of his works. Thanks to his technical ability and innovations he was appointed the art director of the Sèvres manufactory in 1887; the first ceramicist to hold the position. For a near identical basin in the Mamluk style by Théodore Deck sold at Christie's see Arts & Textiles of the Islamic & Indian Worlds, 22 April 2016, lot 436.