A rare Raqqa black and turquoise jar, Syria, first half of 13th century

of inverted baluster form with a short cylindrical neck and broad everted rim, decorated in black under a transparent turquoise glaze with an allover pattern of black zig-zags, the foot unglazed

This rare jar is decorated in a striking abstract manner that exemplifies Raqqa pottery at its very best.  The bold simplicity of the design appeals directly to the modernist aesthetic. Only in the earlier calligraphic works of Nishapur and Samarqand does the Muslim potter achieve such grandeur on a modest scale.

A comparable Raqqa jar with broader zig-zags under a colourless glaze sold in these rooms, 25 April 2002, lot 76.  Further examples can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Jenkins 2006, pp. 150-157) and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Lane 1947, pl.80A)