A RARE LUSTRE PAINTED AMPHORA WITH SEATED FIGURES, Iran, Kashan, late 12th century

A rare example of four-handled fritware amphora decorated in a light brownish gold lustre, the foot painted in cobalt blue. The lower part of the body features a band with roundels containing stylised vegetable motifs against a background of vine scrolls. The upper part is divided into square panels framing seated figures on a vegetal background, the shoulder is adorned with further scrolling vines, and the exterior surface of the neck features the same roundels-on-vines motives encountered in the lower part of the body. The interior of the neck is painted in cobalt blue with a brown-lustre inscription in foliated Kufic. The four handles of the amphora are decorated with both epigraphic and pseudo-epigraphic motifs.

Provenance: from a private Italian collection.

Catalogue notes:

The lustre decoration technique was first developed in Iraq in the 9th century and found its way through Syria to the city of Kashan in Iran in the late 12th century, when the present lot was made. The current example showcases the so-called Kashan ‘Monumental’ style, which emerged in the late 12th century and was characterised by large-scale figural subjects such as horsemen, animals, and seated figures, painted in a brownish-gold lustre on a white background.

Compare with a similar lustre jug in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, inventory number: C.1954-1910.
For a similar example see the lot sold by Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art including Sikh treasures and Arts of the Punjab, 23 October 2018, London, New Bond Street, lot. 31R.