A rare Tell Minis Lustre Pottery Bowl Depicting a bird, Syria, 11th-12th century

of truncated conical form with flaring walls and short foot, painted in brown lustre with large figural depiction of a crested bird possibly a peacock spanning the well and cavetto, surrounded by palmettes on scrolling and undulating branches, Arabic inscription on the reverse

Perpetual Glory, Medieval Islamic Ceramics From The Harvey B. Plotnick Collection, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2007.

O. Pancaroglu, Perpetual Glory, Medieval Islamic Ceramics From The Harvey B. Plotnick Collection, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2007, p.62, no.20.

Overall good condition, craquelure to lustre, dirt encrusted to well, 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.
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inscriptions

Inscription in Arabic on the outer surface:

min san'a bani mashhaq (?) khals (sic) [khass ?]

'Of the workshop of Bani Mashhaq [?]. Special [Royal?].'

The group of ceramics known as 'Tell Minis ware' includes some of the finest potted and decorated ceramics produced under Islamic patronage. Many of them bear the enigmatic inscription 'Of the workshop of Bani Mashhaq [?] Special [Royal?]' suggesting that they were a special commission for a royal patron. The high quality fritware body and the skill of the lustre decorated designs supports that possibility, though mystery still surrounds their production. The kiln site has yet to be located and the name Tell Minis is derived from a village in Western Syria where it was reported that a number of bowls were discovered.