A Fine and Rare Intact Kashan Bottle Vase, Persia, 13th Century

of compressed globular form with sloping shoulder and narrow constricted neck terminating in a cup-shaped mouth, the spreading foot with recessed base, painted in underglaze cobalt blue and black with flower-form motifs around the body alternating with "water-weed" sprigs, narrow bands of naskh reserved in black to the lower body, shoulder and mouth

intact, silvery irridescence to the glaze, tiny rim chip, 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."

An exceptional intact example of Kashan underglaze-painted pottery.

The advent of underglaze painting at Kashan heralded a new freedom of expression amongst the decorators. The introduction of the so-called "water-weed" motif, with its calligraphic line and painterly flourishes, shows off the new technique to its full advantage (see lot 144). This vase, which draws on a metal model for its basic form, is remarkable for its fine intact condition. The delicately-turned neck was extremely susceptible to breakage condemning the majority of this type to decapitation.