A Large Pottery Jar, Uzbekistan or Northern Afghanistan, circa 9th/11th Century A.D.

with piriform body, flaring mouth, and twin cylindrical handles each with applied knob on top and four oval depressions at the shoulder, the exterior painted in brown over a cream slip with an intricate pattern of upward-facing stylized birds, an oblique wavy motif on the shoulder, festoons inside the rim.

probably acquired in New York, in the 1970s

generally very good, edge of the rim as been smoothed down in some areas and has retouching to the brown paint. Painted decoration is as shown, note small nicks, two areas on one side of the neck are highly worn (partially visible in the photo at left)
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a related example in the Linden Museum, Stuttgart, cf. J.Kalter and M. Pavaloi, eds., Heirs to the Silk Road: Uzbekistan, London, 1997, pp.150-151.