A large Nishapur imitation lustre dish, Central Asia, 10th Century

of truncated conicle form on a short foot with a cream slip ground decorated in polychrome with a central roundel enclosing trellis pattern, the walls with monumental chain band of linked roundels enclosing palmettes on a reddish-brown cross hatched ground with beaded borders, the exterior plain

breaks and repairs with some losses filled with plaster with over-painting and infill along the break lines, near complete overall good condition with strong glassy 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."

The potters of 10th-century Nishapur are known to have imitated Mesopotamian lustreware in an attempt to provide cheap substitutes for the exotic high-status Abbasid wares, whose prices would have increased dramatically on their journey overland between the two centres of production. Here an olive and white slip are used instead of the true overglaze lustre of the Mesopotamian prototypes. Typical of Nishapur production is the introduction of polychromy and stylised letter forms painted free-hand to form a lively composition.