- 48
An Abbasid pottery bowl depicting a bird, Iraq, 9th/10th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- earthenware
the earthenware body with a lightly everted rim, painted in lustre on an opaque white glaze, the centre depicting a bird, possibly a peacock, with five roundels to the reverse, both sides surrounded by contour panels on a dotted ground, base with inscription, broken and restored with some associated infill and overpainting
Condition
The dish broken and restored with some associated infill and overpainting (some of which is slightly discolored), this has affected the original lustre of which only traces remain. It is expected for a ceramic dish of this age to have some restoration. We would recommend that the buyer contacts a specialized conservator for advice on any further restoration, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
Under the base: possibly Baraka 'Blessing'
The bird represents one of the most common animate motifs used by the decorators of Abbasid pottery. On this dish, the bird has a large tail and is possibly a peacock or a pheasant, both of which were kept within royal households. The composition, in which the bird holds a leaf in its beak and which includes a peacock-eye or pearl-like border resembles a design topos often found on luxury Sassanian silk textiles that hold courtly connotations. A related dish is in the Louvre, see A. Caiger-Smith, Lustre Pottery, London, 1985, fig.8.
Under the base: possibly Baraka 'Blessing'
The bird represents one of the most common animate motifs used by the decorators of Abbasid pottery. On this dish, the bird has a large tail and is possibly a peacock or a pheasant, both of which were kept within royal households. The composition, in which the bird holds a leaf in its beak and which includes a peacock-eye or pearl-like border resembles a design topos often found on luxury Sassanian silk textiles that hold courtly connotations. A related dish is in the Louvre, see A. Caiger-Smith, Lustre Pottery, London, 1985, fig.8.