A fine Raqqa turquoise glazed pottery tile, Syria, late 12th/early 13th century

moulded and decorated with a rich vivid opalescent turquoise alkaline glaze with a central aperture in the form of an eight-pointed star enclosed by high relief split-palmette scrolls and a trilobed palmette in each corner within raised line borders

Breaks with associated restoration including overpainting, shiny iridescence to surface, 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."

The present pottery tile belongs to a rare group of turquoise glazed pottery tiles with moulded decoration and a characteristic central aperture in the form of an eight-pointed star, four of which were sold in these rooms 13 October 2004, lots 105 and 106. The function of these tiles, whether destined for windows, walls, fountain frames or the floor, remains unclear as Raqqa potters, unlike their Iranian counterparts at Kashan, were not known for their tilework production. This example stands on its own for its harmonious symmetrical design and rich opalescent turquoise glaze.