Lot 223. A large splashed and incised pottery dish, Persia or Central Asia, 11th-12th century; 39.7cm. diam. Estimate 5,000 — 8,000 GBP. Lot sold 6,250 GBP. Photo Sotheby's.

of shallow rounded form with tall, slightly everted rim, with a cream slip ground incised with stylised facing birds in the centre surrounded by bands with geometric motifs and twisted cord design, with green and brown splashed glazes.

Note: Although the background to the introduction of splashware into Persian pottery-making is unclear, it is often traced back to China, notably in the comparison with Tang wares in which 'sancai' (three-coloured) glazes are used. The present example displays the energy of splashware glazing, particularly when used in conjunction with freehand drawing. Few comparables exist, one is illustrated in Soustiel 1985, pp.42-3, no.22. 

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World, London, 19 Oct 2016, 11:30 AM