Lot 13. A large blue and white Kubachi pottery dish, probably Tabriz, North Iran, Early 17th century; 14in. (35.5cm.) diam. Estimate GBP 6,000 - GBP 8,000 (USD 7,668 - USD 10,224) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017.

The white ground painting in cobalt-blue with a central roundel filled with lobed medallions arranged around a single central scrolling tendril, the borders with regular wave motif.

Note: The Caucasian city of Kubachi gave its name to a large group of pottery, the type of which was found decorating houses there. They have since been reattributed to Tabriz where they were produced in the 16th and early 17th century. The potteries at Tabriz were probably set up by craftsmen from Samarqand during the 15th century and lasted into the 16th century and only declined when the Safavid capital was moved to Qazvin and finally to Isfahan in 1598. In addition, the city was sacked by the Ottomans in 1514 and Tabriz continued to remain vulnerable to attacks, allowing other centres such as Kirman and Mashhad to establish pre-eminence. 

Christie's. Arts & Textiles of the Islamic & Indian Worlds, 28 April 2017, London, South Kensington