A Seljuq unglazed moulded pottery ewer with floriated kufic inscription, Persia, 12th-13th century

the body of compressed globular form with tall constricted neck, galleried mouth and attached loop handle, the shoulder with a moulded inscription band in floriated Kufic above a minor band of six-petalled rosettes, the lower body with incised grooves and undulating lines, two old collection labels bearing the hand-written number "378"

breaks and repairs but complete, 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

'izz wa iqbal wa sa'ada wa salama li-sahibihi

'Glory and Prosperity and Happiness and Well-being to its owner'

The unglazed wares of Eastern Persia, outlined and sequenced by Wilkinson from the excavated examples from Nishapur, received the innovation of moulded decoration in the 12th century (Wilkinson 1973, chapter 12; and, Watson 2004, section Ab, pp.106-119). An example in the Al-Sabah Collection shares the basic decorative scheme of hexafoil floral motifs and an elaborate foliated Kufic inscription of a similar sentiment (ibid., cat. Ab.6, p.111).