A Safavid blue and white dish, Persia, 17th century

of deep rounded form decorated in shades of underglaze cobalt blue, with a central monumental composite leaf and feathered branch surrounded by dot and cross-hatch motif, enclosed within a nine-sided frame, the rim and cavetto with a board arcade of cusped panels enclosing lotus blossoms flanked by rosettes and scrolls, the exterior with scroll and lotus blossom motif, the foot with six spur marks surrounding a recess inside the base ring

in good condition, minor chips to rim, minor abrasions and craquelure 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 dish fuses Persian and Chinese traditions: the decoration follows the rudiments of the Chinese kraakware porcelain but adapts the design to create a lively variant. Related examples are in the Victoria and Albert Museum, see Crowe p.231no.400, p.235 nos.409 and 410.