AN EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE KÜTAHYA POLYCHROME POTTERY BOWL, TURKEY, MID-18TH CENTURY |

decorated in cobalt blue, yellow, green and bole red with floral ornamentation, including two winged seraphim angels to interior, with restorations

Christie's, London, 19 October 1993, lot 376

Broken and restored, areas with overpainting, some areas missing glaze (possibly entire upper section near rim replaced), craquelure throughout. 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 Kütahya bowl stands out for its exceptionally large size. The closest example in terms of size and shape which we have been able to find is in the Benaki Museum, Athens, dated to 1718/19, measuring 20cm. diameter and 11cm. high (Carswell and Dowsett 1972, pp.73-74, plate 20). The presence of two seraphim angels to the interior of this deep bowl is noteworthy as this indicates a possible religious use for this bowl, notably serving the important local Armenian community. These seraphim form part of the main design on other Kütahya ceramics such as an incense burner now in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 35-1892). Unfortunately the present example has suffered some damage but it is an invaluable addition to the corpus of catalogued Kütahya works.