A turquoise-glazed pottery house model, Persia, 12th/13th century

of rectangular form, with moulded decoration comprising an animal pen to the top containing various quadrupeds with an aperture in the centre, the sides also with open roundels and one main rectangular opening, covered with a bright turquoise glaze

The surface covered by a shimmery iridescent layer, appears to be intact (needs to be viewed under black light), few of tiny extremities with minor chips, some abrasions to 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.
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This interesting piece belongs to a surviving group of glazed ceramic house models, believed to date from the late/post-Seljuq period in Persia (circa 1150-1250) and studied extensively by Dr Margaret Graves and Dr Melanie Gibson. Organised around a central courtyard, the quadruped figurines on the present example were probably modelled as bulls and lions.

For additional scholarship on these models, please refer to: Margaret S. Graves, "Ceramic House Models from Medieval Persia: Domestic Architecture and Concealed Activities", in IRAN: Journal of the British Institute of Persian Studies, vol. 46 (2008), pp.227-251.

We are grateful to Dr Melanie Gibson for her assistance in the cataloguing of this lot.