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Lot Essay
When they first appeared on the market at the beginning of the 20th century Raqqa wares were the most sought after of all Islamic pottery. The wonderfully shiny glaze, coupled with an excellent lustre or the most perfect turquoise colour ensured their immediate appeal. This is discussed in full detail by Marilyn Jenkins-Madina (Raqqa Revisited; Ceramics of Ayyubid Syria, New York, 2006). The present elegant vase demonstrates these qualities superbly.
The pseudo inscription in the waisted cartouches that decorate this jar, is similar to that on three pieces in the Metropolitan Museum. Jenkins-Madina mentions that the design is also seen on two wasters in the Karatay Museum and on three in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art (Jenkins-Madina, op.cit., p.170).
A similar Raqqa jar sold in these Rooms, 8 April 2008, lot 105 and another at Sotheby's London, 9 April 2008, lot 166. For another Raqqa jar in this sale, please see the preceding lot.
The pseudo inscription in the waisted cartouches that decorate this jar, is similar to that on three pieces in the Metropolitan Museum. Jenkins-Madina mentions that the design is also seen on two wasters in the Karatay Museum and on three in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art (Jenkins-Madina, op.cit., p.170).
A similar Raqqa jar sold in these Rooms, 8 April 2008, lot 105 and another at Sotheby's London, 9 April 2008, lot 166. For another Raqqa jar in this sale, please see the preceding lot.