An Umayyad marble capital, Cordoba, Spain, Period of Al-Hakam II (961-976 AD)

of pale stone, the surface deeply carved and drilled with three layers of acanthus leaves supporting scrolling wreaths extending out of the corners, between four palmettes on each side and a vegetal border

Good, two protruding wreaths on corners missing, some abrasion to exterior consistent with age, one acanthus leaf on body missing, one possibly with restored work, 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."

Three comparable capitals in the Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Córdoba, attributed to Córdoba or Madinat al-Zahra, illustrate the evolution of this type of capital in Umayyad Spain during the reigns of Abd al-Rahman III (912-961) and al-Hakam II (961-976) (see Dodds 1992, nos.37 & 38). The form, which derives ultimately from a classical Corinthian prototype, assumed a more lacey, stylised appearance in the Visigothic and early Umayyad periods, influenced by current trends in the Byzantine world where a tendency to drill rather than to carve resulted in a more "honeycombed" effect.

A further comparable example can be found in the Museo de la Alhambra, inv. no. 1629-4495, which evinces a similar two-tiered acanthus design and the egg-and-dart minor band.