An Abbasid cast brass ewer, Persia, 8th century

of pear-shaped form with slightly faceted body, with flaring grooved neck and flattened rim in the form of two stylised wings, with a curvilinear handle surmounted by a bold palmette thumbpiece, on a tall foot with incised flowerhead motif to underside

In fairly good condition, the body with erosion and oxidisation resulting in discoloration as consistent with age, some knocks and minor dents to body, minor consolidation to palmette thumbpiece, 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."

This ewer, which is characterised by its elegant pear-shaped body and ornate neck, opening and handle, forms part of a group of early Islamic ewers whose designs derive from earlier Byzantine and Sassanian traditions. The palmette-shaped thumb-rest on the handle and the flattened, stylised bird-heads on the rim of the opening can stylistically be compared to a ewer from eigth-century Khurasan in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 434-1906). The incised flowerhead motif on the base of the present ewer also features on a Persian jug from the ninth to tenth century, illustrated in Allan 1986, pp.118-9, no.27.