An Abbasid cast brass double-spouted ewer, Near East, 8th-9th century

the body of spherical form on a short splayed foot, with a slender, curved faceted neck, cylindrical mouth and flat rim encircled by two stylised bird heads, the curvilinear handle with a zoomorphic terminal and palmette thumb-rest, two straight spouts to the front engraved near the body with floral stems

In overall good condition, some patination and oxidization across the surface, 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.
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The palmette-shaped thumb-rest on the handle and the stylised bird-heads on the rim of the opening can stylistically be compared to a ewer from eigth-century Khurasan in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 434-1906), illustrated in Melikian-Chirvani 1982, p.40. Both the V&A piece and the present model with its prominent palmette thumb-rest, derive from earlier Byzantine and Sassanian traditions.