Description:

A HIGHLY RARE & LARGE TIMURID BLUE & WHITE BOWL, FOR CHINESE MARKET, 14TH CENTURY, PERSIA

of deep form with rounded walls on a short foot, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with a central medallion featuring a scrolling lotus flower, the body decorated with lotus flowers on an adjoining leafy scroll, with a band of mountain forms at the rim, the exterior with a similar design of scrolling lotus flowers

Catalogue Note

The deep-form seen here decorated with lotus scroll on both the interior and exterior with minor bands of breaking wave and key fret pattern derives from an early Ming blue and white prototype, either from the reign of the Hongwu emperor (r.1368-99) or Xuande emperor (r.1426-35). Two bowls in the British Museum (inv. nos.OA 1947.7-12.180 and OA 1973.7-26.360), illustrate this Chinese prototype, see Harrison-Hall, J., Catalogue of Late Yuan and Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, 2001, p.133, nos.4:24 and 4:25. Also, two similar examples from the Timurid period are illustrated in Lentz and Lowry 1989, pp.228 and 229, nos.130 and 131. The rarity of this type of Timurid deep bowl is testified by the fact that no closely comparable example is found in the definitive account of Timurid ceramics Tamerlane's Tableware (Golombek, Mason and Bailey 1996).

Previously catalogued in Sothebys with an estimate of £60,000- £80,000 GBP 

Diameter: 32cm

Height: 16cm

Description:


A deep fritware bowl with rounded walls resting on a short straight foot, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with fine floral scrolls. The central interior medallion features a blossoming lotus scroll encircled by floral arabesques. The cavetto and exterior both display scrolling lotus motifs framed by wave and geometric fretwork bands near the rim. The vivid blue palette and crisp detailing demonstrate an adaptation of Chinese porcelain aesthetics, likely for export to East Asia.

This rare Timurid ceramic exemplifies the deep cultural exchange between Persian and Chinese potters during the Mongol and post-Mongol periods. The bowl follows the Ming Hongwu and Xuande prototypes, while integrating distinctive Persian workmanship and material composition. The large size and sophistication of the design indicate it may have been an elite commission or a diplomatic gift.

Comparable examples:

  • A Timurid blue and white bowl with lotus scrolls, attributed to the 14th century, sold at Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, London, 7 October 2015, Lot 107, for £68,750.

  • A similar Timurid bowl decorated with lotus and geometric motifs, Christie’s, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, London, 25 October 2018, Lot 98, sold for £75,000.

  • A closely related Persian bowl with Chinese-inspired lotus scrolls, Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, London, 11 June 2018, Lot 113, achieved £64,000.

Note:
This bowl represents a rare synthesis of Timurid and Chinese ceramic traditions, tailored for the Chinese market during a dynamic period of cross-cultural exchange. Its absence from the authoritative study Tamerlane’s Tableware (Golombek, Mason & Bailey, 1996) further underlines its rarity. For Chinese prototypes, see British Museum examples OA 1947.7-12.180 and OA 1973.7-26.360 (Harrison-Hall, 2001, p.133).

 

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Bid Increments
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£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000