Lot 49. A Safavid soft-paste porcelain bottle, Kirman, South East Iran, 17th century; 15 ¾in. (39.9cm.) high. Estimate GBP 3,000 - GBP 5,000 (USD 3,768 - USD 6,280). © Christie's Images Ltd 2020. 

Of flattened drop-shape rising from a short trumpet foot to a long tapering neck, decorated on both sides with a white vase with a floral bouquet, the neck with later Qajar brass mount and stopper engraved with scrolling vine around figural cartouches, the base with remnants of two labels and an inventory no. '3484' in black ink, minor losses to glaze, a repaired crack to one side. 

Note: There is a similarly decorated 17th century kalian (water-pipe base) from Kirman in the Victoria and Albert Museum, currently on display in the Jameel Gallery, acc.no. 422-1878. Our bottle and the kalian are both covered with a green slip decorated with very similar white painted flowers and foliage emanating from a wide-rimmed arabesque-filled vase.

For a brief discussion on Kirman pottery produced in the Safavid period and for another bottle of similar form and decoration, see lot 50 in the present sale.

Christie's. Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs and Carpets, London, 2 April 2020