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Lot Essay
There are a number of further pieces of glazed relief ware decorated in fashions similar to that seen in the present flask, which most authorities write about as a coherent group. Vessels and fragments have been found in a number of Early Islamic sites, including Samarra, Susa, Rosen-Ayalon, Hira, al-Mina and Tarsus. It is the colouring of the present ewer that makes it stand out, particularly with the brilliant yellow colour used in contrast to the more normal green. This combination is one that seems to be particularly found in pottery associated with Egypt (Helen Philon, Early Islamic Ceramics, Athens, 1980, plates I and in particular II B and D).
A jug with very similar glaze was sold in these Rooms 8 April 2008, lot 16. A green glazed ewer of similar but more attenuated form sold in these Rooms 12 October 1999, lot 286; that lot in turn relates closely to a very large ewer sold here 23 October 2007, lot 50. For another ewer of the same group, please see the preceding lot.
A jug with very similar glaze was sold in these Rooms 8 April 2008, lot 16. A green glazed ewer of similar but more attenuated form sold in these Rooms 12 October 1999, lot 286; that lot in turn relates closely to a very large ewer sold here 23 October 2007, lot 50. For another ewer of the same group, please see the preceding lot.