Description:

 A LARGE SAFAVID BLUE AND WHITE CHARGER, KIRMAN, PERSIA, LATE 17TH CENTURY
Kirman, Persia, late 17th century

Description:
Underglaze-painted fritware with cobalt blue and black sgraffito decoration. The central well is decorated with a lobed medallion enclosing a mythical beast—likely a qilin or simurgh—set within a dense field of scrolling floral arabesques. The cavetto features Chinese-inspired floral sprays and cloud scrolls, while the rim bears a stylised bracket motif. The reverse is similarly adorned with blue floral tendrils, and the foot bears faux Chinese marks imitating Ming dynasty reign marks.

This piece is a striking example of the cross-cultural aesthetic developed in Safavid Kirman, blending Persian design with Chinese porcelain influence, particularly popular in export ware of the period. The deep well and large diameter suggest this charger was intended for display rather than utilitarian use.

Dimensions: Diameter: 46.5 cm

Comparable examples:

  • A Safavid blue and white charger of similar form and decoration, attributed to Kirman, sold at Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, London, 20 April 2016, Lot 177, for £30,000.

  • A closely related charger featuring mythical beasts and chinoiserie floral motifs, Christie’s, London, 6 October 2011, Lot 289, sold for £32,450.

  • A large Safavid charger with sgraffito borders and similar underglaze blue decoration, Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, London, 11 June 2012, Lot 95, sold for £28,750.

Note:
The influence of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain on Persian ceramics reached its peak during the Safavid period, especially in Kirman. Sgraffito borders, originally a hallmark of Kashan ceramics, were revived in later periods, providing a decorative contrast to the vibrant cobalt glaze. Examples of similar workmanship are held in the Victoria and Albert Museum (Crowe 2002, nos. 281–284).

 



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