A Rare Fatimid Glazed and Painted Pottery Jar, Tunisia, Raqqada, 10th-11th century

the rounded cylindrical body resting on a short slightly-everted foot, the short waisted neck surmounted by a thick rim, with two pointed loop handles, painted in two shades of green and decorated in manganese with a repeating calligraphic inscription and a series of vertical and horizontal lines

This item is in good condition. Minor losses throughout, especially two measuring 1cm. diameter-long to the shoulder and various throughout the rim and foot. With very minor abrasions to the glaze throughout, particularly to inscribed areas. With one major indentation to the body. Light loss of colour throughout. 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."

inscriptions

repeated around the body: al yumn or 'happiness'

This rare pottery jar uses the distinctive green and manganese decoration associated with the Umayyad and post-Umayyad period in Muslim Spain and North Africa. This particular example is stylistically comparable to a pair of fragmented plates now at the Musée de Carthage and published in Le vert et le brun, de Kairouan à Avignon, céramiques du Xe au XVe siècle, Exhibition Catalogue, Chapelle de la Vieille Charité, Marseille, 1995, pp.86-7, nos.49-50. Their linear decoration, background colour and calligraphic inscriptions, which have been read as al-yumn or 'happiness', closely resemble those on the present example.