A large Safavid blue and white pottery bowl, Persia, 17th century

of deep rounded form on a short foot, decorated in shades of underglaze blue, the interior with a stylised dragon in a foliate landscape in the central well, vegetal stems and leafy motifs along the sides, the exterior with repeat motifs of a stylised quadruped amidst a lush vegetal landscape 

Once broken and restored with associated overpainting, some associated discoloration, the colours general strong, rim with brown glaze, underside with firing marks, 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."

Persian craftsmen of the Safavid era integrated many Chinese designs into their artistic repertoire. Heavily influenced by Chinese export wares of the late Wanli period with their flowers and large birds, the Persian potter adopted and adapted long-standing popular Chinese motifs such as the dragon, of which a stylised and abstracted version appears on the present bowl.