An inscribed carved stone ceremonial vessel, China for the Islamic market, 16th-17th century

of rectangular form carved from a single block, the convex sides carved with crude Arabic letters forming the shahada or profession of faith, with a stepped platform base with four broad wedge-form feet, the surface treated with a glazed dressing

ex-Japanese private collection

some chips to extremities, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions

The Shahada or "Profession of Faith"

This interesting stone vessel, with its inscription declaring the profession of faith, was made in China for an Islamic audience. Stylistically, it can be compared with an incense burner in the David Collection (inv. no. 7/1971), dated to the period between 1506-1521 and illustrated in Copenhagen 1996, p.320, no.293. In his catalogue description on the incense burner, Kjeld von Folsach confirms that such objects were probably made for use by Chinese Muslims (ibid., p.320, no.293).