A Safavid celadon pottery jar, Persia, 17th Century

of baluster form, decorated with a delicate white slip of leafy fronds against a celadon ground, the brass openwork cover with eight roundels featuring alternative scenes of fighting animals and figures

In overall good condition, with minor abrasion and loss of glaze across the surface, small cracklines descending from the top, with a replacement brass rim and cover which probably covered these cracks, uneven breaks to the base and old collector's sticker, 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."

Chinese celadon ware found great favour in Iran during the Safavid period (1502-1736) as can be attested by the numerous models that were imitated at this time. Persian celadon ceramics, such as this jar, reveal both the reverence felt by Persian potters for the original Chinese models as well as their own creativity as they added different painted designs to the surface.

The wispy shrubbery that covers the exterior of the present jar can be compared with the design on a blue and white Persian ghalian from the period in the al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait National Museum (inv. no.LNS 11 C), illustrated in Watson 2004, p.474, Cat.U.29. It is also very close in shape and style to a similar jar in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no.1019-1883).

Another noticeable feature on this jar is the later replacement brass cover. It is decorated with eight roundels featuring various scenes alluding to the hunt, and also features a mythological creature with an animal head and human body. The fine quality of the engraving indicates that the cover is of eighteenth-century workmanship, and not a recent addition.