Lot 233
  • 233

A CALLIGRAPHIC POTTERY TILE WITH ABJAD DATE, SYRIA, CIRCA 18TH CENTURY |

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • frame: 42.6 by 42.6cm.  
the calligraphy and outlines in black with dark blue bands and details on a white ground under a transparent glaze, set in an old wooden frame, with handwritten collector's note to reverse and printed '44' label

Provenance

Ex-private collection, Germany, Prof. Karabauer.

Condition

The tile with break through centre and associated consolidation, small break to one corner and dirt encrustation to corners, set in old wooden frame with hook for hanging to reverse, nicks and scratches to frame, old collector's label, 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."

Catalogue Note

inscriptions

'Drink here what is healing'
A foundation tablet for a drain made by a certain Zayn al-‘Abidin given in Arabic in rhymed form, dated in abjad: ishrab huna (hanniyann?) shafa ‘Drink [with] enjoyment, [it] will heal’, which adds up to 981 AH (1573-4 AD).

The handwritten note reads:
'The tile bears a chronogram which carries the date: '...[saying in Arabic]' which is not a date: 'Drink what brings you health' - The combination of the letters [ie the chronogram' gives the date 981 AH/1573 AD' Prof. Karabauer.