Turkey, in the mid 16th century
The style was characterised by designs of long serrated saz (reed) leaves, composite flowers, elongated cloud bands and fantastic creatures including dragons and phoenixes. As an Islamic art it included a rich variety of ornamental designs but no human figures. The Ottomans associated the leaves and the clouds with China. A master of the style was Shah Quli who emigrated from Persia (Iran) to Constantinople (Istanbul) and became head of the royal atelier.
