A fine Kashan bowl with radial decoration and inscriptions, Persia, early 13th century

of truncated conical form on a vertical foot, painted in shades of cobalt blue and black under a transparent glaze, featuring an entwined medallion in the centre with a foliate border, the cavetto with alternating inscriptive bands and leafy tufts, the exterior with foliate motifs and paired blue bands

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

O. Pancaroglu, Perpetual Glory, Medieval Islamic Ceramics From The Harvey B. Plotnik Collection, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2007, p. 99, no.57.

Intact, in good condition, traces of iridescence, particularly along rim, to hairline craquelure on glaze, more pronounced along the exterior, 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 Arabic and Persian:

'A pearl shines at the time when there is a red rose,
and a garden shines where there is a red rose,
and the nightingale sings in the tongue of the red rose,
wine shines in red vessels.'

'May the Creator of the World protect
the owner of this [bowl] wherever he may be.'