A Lajvardina Moulded Tile, Persia, Circa 1270

of stellar form, moulded and glazed in cobalt blue and painted overglaze in reddish brown, white and gold, with a flying phoenix with flame-like tail against a scroll ground 

Chips and losses to edges, rubbing and loss to overglaze decoration and gilding, 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."

Similar tiles depicting phoenixes have been found at Takht-i Sulaiman ("Throne of Soloman"), the summer palace of the Mongol Ilkhan, Abaka, constructed in the 1270s in the mountainous region around Lake Urmina south of Tabriz. A number of examples survive in museum collections in Europe and North America, including the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Washington where an almost identical tile is found (see Komaroff and Carboni 2002, p.95, fig.101).