A blue and white Kutahya flask, Turkey, first half 18th century

of rectangular form with stepped top and cylindrical opening, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue on a white background with a flowering rosette and birds on one side and an artichoke flower on the other, the edges with foliate sprays

In good condition, intact, some pitting to surface and craquelure in glaze, firing crack under the glaze on the base, minor chips to extremities, particularly edges, a little consolidation and overpainting, 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 beautifully decorated blue and white Kutahya flask presents an interesting variant to the well-known polychrome Kutahya pilgrim flasks of rounded form. Appearing in the eighteenth century, the stepped, rectangular format presents a further notable change to the usual type, marking this example out as a true rarity.