A Rare Timurid or Early Safavid Bowl painted in Manganese Purple, Persia or Central Asia, Late 15th-16th Century

of deep rounded form with a slightly everted rim supported on a narrow raised foot, painted in manganese purple, the well with a central rosette surrounded by palmettes and encircled by cloud bands, the cavetto with scrolling lotus stems, the rim with a foliate arcade, the exterior with further foliate bands and scrolls

Glaze cracquelure with areas of loss with associated restoration, 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 unusual bowl follows an early Ming prototype in its shape and basic decorative elements, and even in its attempt to fire underglaze red. The heavy potting suggests a provincial kiln though one where the potters would have seen Chinese luxury imports.