A large Safavid blue and white dish, Persia, possibly Mashhad, 17th century

of deep rounded form with a bracketed rim, decorated in varying strengths of underglaze blue and black outline with a central cusped roundel enclosing a monk seated on a buffalo on a rocky outcrop surrounded by water, framed by a border of bracketed scrolls, the rim with a broad arcade of lobed panels enclosing birds and floral sprays, the reverse with a frieze of lobed cartouches with fruiting sprays, the footring with pseudo-Chinese mark

in good condition, minor chips to glaze and rim, minor hairline cracks to rim, 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."

The imitation of Chinese export wares in the seventeenth century in Persia was a well established practice. Even so, it is rare to find such a well-potted, richly decorated and well-preserved example, particularly  of large forms. The design follows a characteristic mode known as kraakware, an export ware produced during the reign of the Wanli emperor (1573-1620).  A closely comparable dish is in the David Collection, Copenhagen (von Folsach 2001, p.179, no.240).