A Fine Intact Safavid 'Gombroon' Footed Bowl, Persia, 17th Century

the bowl of deep rounded form on a narrow splayed foot, the well with a central radiating medallion encircled by an arcaded palmette painted in underglaze cobalt-blue and black, the rim decorated with pierced decoration, the exterior with similar designs painted in cobalt-blue

rim with minor chip and hairline cracks, abrasions to glaze, 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 is a fine example of 'Gombroon' ware, so-called after the port of Bandar Abbas in the Persian Gulf, formerly known as Gombroon. With its 'rice-grain' decoration and transparent glaze over a brilliant white hard-paste body, it comes very close in its imitation of porcelain. For related examples in the Victoria and Albert Museum, see Lane, 1957, pl.100; in the Musée Nationale de Céramique, Sèvres, see Soustiel 1985, pl.316; in the British Museum, see Pope, Survey, vol.v. pl.811.