A Silver-inlaid bell-metal bowl with the zodiac signs, Western Iran or Anatolia, circa 14th century

of deep rounded form with slightly inverted sides, incised and inlaid with silver with lobed cartouches filled with astrological figures and animals against a hatched ground and flanked by lotuses, bordered by foliate and floral bands, the interior base with punched rosettes and circles

break with associated restoration, pitting and patination, rubbing and loss to silver inlay, 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 arcade of zodiac signs in cartouches separated by lotus blossoms is paralleled in decoration on a covered bowl (jam va sarpush) in the Victoria and Albert Museum (See Melikian-Chirvani 1982, pp.184-5, no.83 and frontispiece; and Pope and Ackermann 1938-9, pl.1357B). Other decorative details, such as the hatched grounds and chain bands, relate the present bowl to the group of high-tin bronze candlesticks attributed to Anatolia (see Allan 1982, nos.8 and 9).