A Mamluk period blue, black and white large bowl, probably Syria or Egypt, 14/15th century

of shallow rounded form with flat rim on a long foot, the white interior decorated with a kaleidescopic design steming from a central four petal black flower and developing into a mix of black and blue symmetrical petal-like shapes and forms, a blue continous zig-zag line is drawn along the rim and filled in by black linear designs, the white reverse is sectioned into repetitive large black spirals framed by thick double vertical lines and horizontal thin black lines

in overall good condition, 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 decoration of this large bowl relies for the most part on white and cobalt blue, a combination much prized in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, in both the Mamluk and Iranian world. Cobalt decoration, known in Iraq since the ninth century, enjoyed a new popularity in this period thanks to imported Chinese porcelain. Mamluk potters were influenced by Chinese blue and white ware and produced a great quantity of underglaze painted ceramics with cobalt-blue decoration, which was often supplemented with black or even turquoise or green. The thickness of body and glaze and the plain simple motifs testify to Syrian and Egyptian manufacture. A similar piece can be found in the collection of Islamic art at the Musée du Louvre (inv. OA 6058).