A RARE LAJVARDINA POTTERY SWEETMEAT DISH, PERSIA, LATE 13TH/EARLY 14TH CENTURY |

fritware body of hollow conical form with curved vertical rim on a short foot, with seven circular compartments, decorated with painted red and white geometric motifs with highlights in gold on a dark blue glaze

Ex-collection Rudolf Martin (1864-1925), thence by descent.

Rudolf Martin was a renowned Anthropology professor, who taught at the University of Zurich and the University of Munich. He wrote the handbook Lehrbuch der Anthropologie in Systematischer Darstellung, Mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der anthropologischen Methoden fur Studierende, Ärzte und Forschungsreisende, first published in 1914 and re-printed in 1928 and 1956.

Intact, the glaze with craquelure throughout and some discoloration due to iridescence on surface, some rubbing to gold, the underside of foot with break revealing hollow interior and small chips to foot, 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 is a rare example of a serving dish produced using the Lajvardina technique. Recognisable by its use of a deep blue over-glaze applied with gold leaf and red and white painted details, this type of decoration became associated with the lapis lazuli stone from which its name derives. Developing following the Mongol invasions of the beginning of the thirteenth century, this type of technique became popular for the decoration of serving vessels and tiles. Due to the fragility of Lajvardina pottery, few examples have survived, although comparable examples can be found in Soustiel 1974, no.4 and London 1969, no.141 (collection of Kenneth Malcolm). This particular style of construction was reserved for the celebration of ‘Haft Sin’ associated with the Persian New Year (Nowruz). Each compartment would have been used to serve an item beginning with the letter ‘sin’, notably: sabzeh (wheat or barley), samanu (sweet pudding), senjed (dried olive), seer (garlic), seeb (apple), somaq (sumac) and serkeh (vinegar).