A moulded and glazed pottery bowl, Persia or Central Asia, 12th-13th century

of rounded form with raised moulded decoration on the interior depicting a frieze of four and a half quadrupeds dashing to the right through foliate elements, covered with a thick off-white glaze with deep craquelure which covers the interior but stops short of the foot, the interior with three spur marks to the centre

ex-Japanese private collection

intact with irridescence to the 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."

This unusual moulded bowl relates to the group classified as "Bamiyan ware" referring to the putative location where many of them were reputedly found. "They are distinct in their frit fabric, which tends to be very fragile, with numerous fire cracks; their method of making, with moulded ornament in relief on the interior of small bowls; and in the designs themselves, linear in character, which cannot be closely paralleled in any other wares" (Watson 2004, p.327).