A Rare Mughal blue and white tile, North India, 17th century or later

the frit body of square form, with underglaze painting in cobalt blue decorated with a seated figure and two attendants under a banyan tree, bordered by scrolling floral and foliate vine

cracquelure throughout, small areas or pitting and loss, crack top and bottom righthand corner with associated repair, 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 rare tile relates in style to a Mughal dish in the al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait, (illustrated in Watson 2004, p.482, no.V.1).  Watson suggests that a nineteenth century date is more probable due to the quality of the body and glaze. The painting style also closely relates to nineteenth-century wares from Jaipur.