A fine Kashan minai ware pottery bowl, Persia, circa 1200

of deep rounded form on a slightly everted foot, decorated in underglaze and overglaze colours, cobalt blue, red, green, purple, pink, white and turquoise outlined in black and highlighted in gold with confronted riders and jester figures flanking a central stylised tree with birds perched in the branches and drinking from a pool below, a band of pseudo-kufic below the rim, areas of original gilding, the exterior with a naskh inscription band with Persian verses and Arabic benedictory terms, old ownership and exhibition labels to the underside

Parish Watson Collection, New York (ownership label on the underside); formerly Engel-Gros Collection

International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931
Exhibition of Persian Art, New York, 1940

 

Exhibition of Persian Art, New York, 1940, p.175 (illustrated)
International Exhibition of Persian Art, London, 1931, cat. no.196F

breaks and repairs with minor touching up and filling in, 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 fine example of minai ware has an outstanding provenance and exhibition history.  Formerly in the Engel-Gros Collection it passed to the Parish Watson Collection and was exhibited at the two greatest exhibitions of Persian art in the twentieth century, London in 1931 and New York in 1940.