A Magnificent Large Safavid Blue and White dish depicting Adam, Persia, 17th Century

of open form with a slightly sloping rim on short, large, foot, the central medallion depicting a recumbent Adam within a Chinese-style landscape of rocks and lush vegetation, surrounded by an eight bracket Kraak frame filled with alternating panels of floral design and tassels with a case of ribbons, the reverse with floral motifs and the base with pseudo-Chinese marks

In overall good condition with few hairline cracks around rim, one small crack and associated repair along one side, 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 large dish represents an interesting example of the adaptation by Persian potters of Kraak-ware ceramic models. Named after the Portuguese Carracks (boats) which transported these types of ceramics, kraak-ware became one of the largest Chinese exports to Europe in the sixteenth/seventeenth century. These ceramics were also widely known to Persian potters who re-interpreted their models to create their own beautiful ceramics. This particular dish features Adam without God or Eve, juxtaposed within a Chinese-style landscape of rocks and waterfalls. A discussion of similar examples of Safavid Kraak "petal panels" dishes can be found in: Y. Crowe, Persia and China: Safavid Blue and White Ceramics in the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1501-1738, London, 2002, pp.61-66.