A Raqqa ovoid-form pottery jar, Syria, first half 13th century

of baluster form with a globular body and tall, slightly inverted neck, decorated in black under a turquoise glaze with a row of stylised birds amidst flowing vegetal scrolls, between bands with spiraling tendrils

Formerly in the collection of the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum, Hartford, USA.

In general good condition, broken and restored with associated overpainting, some craquelure to glaze, 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."

Six birds appear within a forest of spiralling scrolls with freely drawn leaves on the round body of the present vase. Primarily used as functional vessels to store and transport spices, foodstuffs and medicinal substances, such jars were often designed with abstract motifs. Delineated in black under a bright turquoise glaze, such vases became particularly admired by collectors in Europe and North America in the 19^th century whence they entered into important museum collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (for a discussion of the Metropolitan Museum’s collection, see: Jenkins-Madina, M., Raqqa Revisited: Ceramics of Ayyubid Syria, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2006).