FATIMID SYRIA, 12TH CENTURY

Details

A TELL MINIS LUSTRE PAINTED TURQUOISE GLAZED POTTERY MORTAR
FATIMID SYRIA, 12TH CENTURY
Of deep rounded form on short foot, the sides moulded with four pronounced vertical ribs divided by three smaller similar ribs and one horse's head, moulded bands around the mouth, the sides originally painted with scrolling lustre vine, the ribs and mouth plain lustre, now almost completely covered with a silvery iridescence, repaired clean breaks
5in. (12.5cm.) high

Special notice

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Lot Essay

The potting of this extraordinary vessel and the foot is entirely consistent with a "Tell Minis" attribution. There are enough traces of the original lustre decoration to see that this as well fits into the group. It is however difficult to explain its purpose. The form is very obviously modelled on that of a mortar. Not only is that not a very sensible vessel to manufacture out of pottery, but the present example is notable, as in the majority of "Tell Minis" wares, for the delicacy of its potting; making its practical use as a mortar impossible.

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