Lot 72. A Kubachi rimless pottery dish, probably Tabriz, North West Iran, 17th century; 12 7/8in. (32.8cm.) diam. Estimate GBP 3,000 - GBP 5,000 (USD 4,254 - USD 7,090). © Christie’s Images Limited 2018. 

On short straight foot, the white interior with floral pattern around a band of white split palmettes, alternating with flowerheads.

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, 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. Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs and Carpets, London, 26 April 2018