A Fatimid Green-Glazed Sgraffiato Jug, Egypt, 11th-12th century

the yellow earthenware body of pear-shaped form resting on a short foot, the pinched mouth with slightly everted rim and narrow open spout, the acutely arched handle connected to the lower body and neck, decorated with an olive-green glaze, the upper half of the body cut and incised with a series of vertical and circumferential lines

This item is in good condition. The bottom part of the jug is not glazed. Very light scratches to the glaze, particularly towards the unglazed section and close to the handle. Marks of residue visible near the mouth and along the handle. Minor losses to the rim and foot. 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."

Though rare in the ceramic medium, this shape is commonly found in glass of the Fatimid period attributed to Egypt and the Near East, see for instance, Goldstein 2005, p.114-5, no.137. The present example is made of a distinctive buff-toned earthenware cut with grooved striations under an olive-green glaze, which bears strong similarities to a fragmentary vase in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no.1777-1897) found at Fustat and attributed to Fatimid Egypt, 11th-12th century (see Contadini 1998, pp.85-6, pl.33). Contadini also mentions a green-glazed albarello in the British Museum, found in Upper Egypt and datable to the twelfth century, which shares the same features (ibid., p.86).