An Abbasid Cast Brass ewer, Persia, 8th Century

the slightly faceted body of pear-shaped form standing on a high foot, with flaring faceted neck and flattened rim in the form of two stylised wings, with a curvilinear handle surmounted by a bold palmette thumbpiece, engraved with a flowerhead motif to base

In overall good condition, minor dents to body and oxidisation to surface consistent with age, 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 ewer, which is characterised by its elegant pear-shaped body and ornate neck, opening and handle, forms part of a group of early Islamic ewers related to a prominent example dating back to the eighth century that is now housed at the Historical Museum at Tbilisi, Georgia (Baer 1983, p.192,no.166). A similar though larger example is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum (A.S. Melikian-Chirvani, Islamic Metalwork from the Iranian World, London, 1982, p.40, no.1). The incised flowerhead motif on the base of the present ewer also features on a Persian jug from the ninth to tenth century, illustrated in Allan 1986, pp.118-9, no.27.