A Kashan lustre bird-headed ewer, Persia, early 13th century

of elongated baluster form, with bulbous body narrowing to a neck with flaring mouth in the form of a chicken's head, the inside of the mouth with kufic inscriptions, with curved handle, the body decorated with a drop form design in deep relief

minor chips to base, cracks to head and handle with associated repair, visible in catalogue illustration, areas of glaze cracquelure, 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."

inscriptions

Inside the rim, in Kufic, repetition of: 

al-daw[la] 

'Wealth'

The present ewer belongs to a group of Kashan lustre wares of so called "monumental style", due to their bold decoration and large scale. Common decorations occurring in all Kashan lustrewares of this period include the characteristic division of the surface into panels and friezes filled with small motifs in reserve and painted arabesques.

Whilst lustre wares of this kind are highly common in bowl, dish, jug and bottle shapes, the bird-headed ewer is somewhat of a rarity, and perhaps finds its genesis in Persian metalwork of the period. A similar example can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum, for this, and a discussion of Monumental Style Kashan lustre wares, see Persian Lustre Ware, London, 1985, p.64-67.