A Nishapur Imitation Lustre Bowl with a seated figure holding a cup, Eastern Persia, 10th century

the earthenware body painted in a brown slip on a cream ground with a central, frontal-facing seated figure holding a drinking cup in one hand and an unidentified object in the other, flanked by two peacocks, the exterior with outlined roundels and stylised buds, inscribed with the word baraka under the base

Croisier Collection, Switzerland

Islam et art figuratif, Musée d'art et d'histoire, Geneva, 1984, p.18, no.16.
Treasures of Islam, Musée d'art et d'histoire, Geneva, 1985, p.219, no.212.
Céramiques du monde musulman, Institut du monde arabe, Paris, 1999, p.99.
Perpetual Glory, Medieval Islamic Ceramics From The Harvey B. Plotnick Collection, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2007.

J. Soustiel, La Céramique Islamique, Fribourg, 1985, p.51, no.29.
O. Pancaroglu, Perpetual Glory. Medieval Islamic Ceramics From The Harvey B. Plotnick Collection, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2007, p.75, no.33.

In fair condition, broken with associated restoration, including infill and overpainting, parts of the glaze to the exterior missing, 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

baraka 'Blessing'

It has been suggested that the cross-legged figure may be a representation of the Iranian tyrant, Zahhak, whose shoulders sprouted ravenous snakes which demanded to be fed on human flesh (Soustiel 1985, p.50; Geneva 1984, p.18; Geneva 1985, p.219)