An Ayyubid or Mamluk marvered glass sprinkler, Egypt or Syria, 12th-13th century

the glass of deep purple with marvered bands of white, the flattened spherical body moulded with recesses, supported on a narrow stemmed flat foot, the narrow neck tapering towards the rim, the shoulders applied with a pair of loop handles

some minor scratches and dents to the main body, 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 rare and elegant form of this sprinkler, or qumqum, is a variation of a shape appearing in Ayyubid and Mamluk glass either with or without a foot and in coloured and colourless glass. A notable example of a similar marvered glass sprinkler, but on a low foot, is in the Toledo Museum of Art (Carboni and Whitehouse 2001, pp.142-3, cat. no.58). Another footed marvered sprinkler is in the al-Sabah Collection (Carboni 2001, pp.310, cat. no.83b).