A Kashan lustre cup with birds, Persia, early 13th century

of squat globular form with short straight neck and applied ring handle with thumb-piece, on a short foot, painted in cobalt blue and golden lustre over an opaqe white glaze with birds in a stylised vegetal decor set between bands of inscriptions, including one to inside of rim

ex-Quelquejay Collection, Sotheby's, 28 April 1994, lot 55.

Perpetual Glory. Medieval Islamic Ceramics From The Harvey B. Plotnick Collection, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2007.

O. Pancaroglu, Perpetual Glory. Medieval Islamic Ceramics From The Harvey B. Plotnick Collection, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2007, p.120, no.77.

In general good condition, very light hairline cracks to surface, some minor abrasion to rim, lustre bright and warm, 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."

inscriptions

In Persian around the rim:

'May your wealth and glory always increase,
May your prosperity surpass all limits,
So whatever reaches your palate from this...[cup?]
Oh, master of the world, may add to your life.
May the creator of the world protect
The owner of this [cup] wherever you may be.'

In Persian around the body:

This servant [that is I] has been driven to great despair because of you,
Because of your sorrow, whether my heart or face have shed blood,
You are as hard as an idol and helplessly,
Desiring you has made me as dust at your feet.
May your wealth and glory always increase,
May your prosperity surpass all limits,
So whatever reaches your palate from this...[cup?],
Oh, master of the world, may add to your life.'