A Fatimid blue-ground lustre pottery jar, Egypt, 11th/12th century

of ovoidal shape with straight neck and slightly everted rim, the turquoise-blue glaze body decorated in lustre with foliate pseudo-Kufic inscription

In generally good condition, intact with small chips to rim, some craquelure to glaze on inside, the surface rubbed with losses to lustre, some encrustation to surface and discoloration, 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."

Blue-ground lustre wares from the Fatimid period are extremely rare. The present example is comparable in terms of shape to other jars in the Al-Sabah collection, Kuwait (inv. no. LNS 293 C, Watson 1985, pp.278-9, Cat.Ja.6.); the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (Caiger-Smith 1985, p.40, no.16), and the Museo de la Alhambra, Granada (inv. no. 4.304). The intensity of the blue-ground colour with lustre is related only to fragments (for example, also in the Al-Sabah collection, inv. no. LNS 981 C a,b, (Watson 1985, p.282, no.Cat.Ja.10)).