A Nishapur or Samarqand Pottery Bowl with a stylised inscription in the shape of a bird, Eastern Persia or Transoxiana, 10th century

the earthenware body decorated in iron-black slip with yellow in-staining, a stylised inscription in the shape of a bird on a white ground, the interstices with dotted patterns and decorative peacock eyes, the rim painted with a scalloped edge

Exhibition Of Ancient Ceramics, Tokyo, 1981.
Perpetual Glory, Medieval Islamic Ceramics From The Harvey B. Plotnick Collection, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2007.

O. Pancaroglu, Perpetual Glory, Medieval Islamic Ceramics From The Harvey B. Plotnick Collection, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2007, pp.69, no.27.

Overall good condition, restored from fragments with associated overpainting and touching up, craquelure and irridescence, 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."

inscription

undeciphered

This striking design captures a key aspect of early Islamic design - "hybridity" or "transformation" - a playful tradition in which letter-forms mutate into birds, animals or plants aimed towards the delight and entertainment of the viewer.