A DAMASCUS POTTERY TILE, SYRIA, LATE 16TH/EARLY 17TH CENTURY |

of thick square form, decorated in shades of cobalt blue, turquoise and black on a white ground with a design consisting of entwining split-palmettes and floral vines, set on metal display mount 

Christie's, London, 26 April 1994, lot 369.

Intact, some abrasion along edges, one small chip to surface near a corner with associated overpainting, minor retouching to another corner, some scuffs and hairline cracks to surface, underside chipped, drilled on custom metal mount with space for hooks to hang,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."

Similar tiles can be found in the Arab hall at Leighton House in London (1864-79), brought back from Damascus in the third quarter of the nineteenth century. The design relates to the 'Dome of the Rock' models, produced in Ottoman Syria, possibly Aleppo (see A. Millner, Damascus Tiles, Munich, 2015, p.274, no.6.74). A closely comparable tile was sold in these rooms, 20 April 2016, lot 195.