A fine Kashan Lustre Pottery vessel, Persia, 12TH/13TH CENTURY

of bulbous spherical form on short foot, with small circular opening, the body profusely decorated in lustre with kneeling figures against a foliate background, the base with a further floral band

breaks throughout with associated restoration visible in catalogue illustration, glaze cracquelure and surface abrasions, 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."

This bowl is a rare and unusually fine, albeit fragmentary, example of Kashan lustreware of the 13th century. Whilst displaying the typical characteristics of Kashan pottery, including large figures depicted in reserve, a lustre ground broken up by scrolls, and dense patterning, its shape and quality make it distinct amongst its kind.

The fine quality of this piece and the precision of its decoration indicate that it might have been decorated by Abu Zayd ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Zayd. Abu Zayd, a famous Kashan potter, collaborated with Muhammad ibn Abi Tahir on the decoration of the tomb of the shrines of Fatima at Qom and Imam Reza at Mashhad, possibly two of the most prolific lustreware projects of their time. Abu Zayd's signature on pieces in the two most important techniques of overglaze luxury ceramics is one of the principal reasons that both minaiware and lustreware can be attributed to Kashan.

For further examples of Abu Zayd's work, and a discussion of Kashan wares of this period, see Watson 2004, pp.80-85.