A Small Nishapur Calligraphic Dish, Central Asia, 10th Century

of shallow form with slightly inverted rim standing on a short foot, the red earthenware body covered with a white engobe and finely painted in black and red-brown slips with an elegant inscription that runs across the diameter of the well

Breaks and repairs, complete, overall good condition, glaze strong and glassy, 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
A suggested reading:

illa man aman qaddan

'Except those who have believed already'

The unusual combination of red and black for the inscription creates a lively and arresting design. The shape of this dish may be compared to an example in A.Gouchani, Inscriptions on Nishapur Pottery, Tehran, 1986, no.96 (compare also nos. 51 and 69 in Gouchani for the style of calligraphy). The present dish has been subject to a thermoluminescence test giving a date of last firing consistent with the date stated above.