A Raqqa turquoise-glazed moulded hexagonal low table with openwork top and sides, Syria, early 13th century

of hexagonal form on six short feet, with a light turquoise glaze, the top moulded in an openwork design consisting of a hexagonal star within another hexagonal star and flowerhead roundel to centre, the side panels with an openwork rectangle and square composition in the centre and calligraphic inscriptions moulded in relief with leafy scrolls in the background

In general good condition, broken and repaired, with some overpainting, craquelure to glaze across surface, some abrasion along external edges, 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 Kufic in upper band, repetition of:
'izz wa iqbal wa daw[la]
'Glory and Prosperity and Wealth'

In Kufic in lower band, repetition of:
baraka li-sahibihi
'Blessing to its owner'

Similar hexagonal tables and stools made of white fritware with turquoise glaze were excavated in the region of Raqqa in Syria (Soustiel 1985, p.117). Amongst these discoveries was a low table with a very similar shape and decoration to the present example (illustrated in Soustiel 1985, p.117, no.128). 

Further examples attributed to Raqqa can be found in the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv. no. 21/1982) (von Folsach 2001, p.163, no.201) and the L.A. Mayer Museum for Islamic Art, Jerusalem (Hasson 2000, pp.68-69). The custom of sitting or squatting on the ground meant these tables were small and low (ibid., p.69).