A Kashan blue-glazed moulded jug with zodiacal symbols, Persia, 12th/13th century

the body moulded with entwining geometric shapes containing personifications of the zodiac, the neck with a calligraphic frieze, covered with a rich, deep colbalt glaze

Broken and restored with associated overpainting and some infill, minor chips to foot, 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."

It is interesting to compare this jug with a pilgrim's flask in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, inv. no. 57.164, also decorated in a moulded design, in which each of the twelve zodiacal signs appear within roundels. Another example, in a different style but of the same tradition, a Kashan lustre jar now in the Ashmolean Museum Oxford, EA1956.58, also features the twelve zodiacal signs. The museum refers to the important influence of the book painting tradition in this design, citing the existence of astrological miniatures within roundels in known medieval manuscripts.