A Safavid Blue and White Pottery Ewer, Persia, 17th Century

the body of squat spherical form with faceted sides, tall cylindrical neck with domed mouth, a faceted tapering spout, the body, shoulder and mouth decorated with foliate mouldings and painted in underglaze cobalt blue with roundels of floral and scale patterning, mounted with a curved metal handle decorated with bands of flowerheads and scrolls

Ex-Henri d'Allemagne Collection

breaks to the base with associated restoration, only visible from the interior, minor nibbles to mouth, handle possibly re-mounted, 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 highly unusual decorative scheme and form for a Safavid ewer. Certain details, such as the faceted spout, are familiar from a number of contemporary pieces. However, the domed mouth is very rare as are the facets around the body. The use of rows of moulded details, are commonplace, but these trefoil lappets are very unusual. They place the ewer in a small group of white wares which are thought to date from later in the seventeenth century. Another piece, a small dish, from this group is in a private German collection (Düsseldorf 1973, p.260, no.388). Like much seventeenth-century pottery, this type of ware has generally been grouped under the misleading title of 'Gombroon ware'.