A Rare Nishapur or Samarkand Calligraphic Jug, Central Asia, 10th Century

of compressed globular form with trumpet mouth and attached loop handle standing on a disc-shaped foot, painted in white slip on a chocolate-brown slip ground with a single line of kufic

Cracks and reapirs, neck partially reconstructed and overpainted, further areas of touching 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."

Most calligraphic works from Nishapur and Samarkand use black lettering on a white ground, but a rare group uses white lettering on a black ground. A large black ground dish belonging to the same group sold in these rooms, 12 October 2005, lot 53, and is now in the collections of the Aga Khan Museum (see Chefs-d'oeuvre islamiques de l'Aga Khan Museum, Paris, 2007, pp.178-9, no.63). 

Related calligraphic wares are known from Afrasiyab (Samarkand), see Terres secrètes de Samarcande. Céramiques du VIIIe au XIIIe siècle, Paris, 1992, nos. 163, p.96.