A LARGE SAFAVID CELADON POTTERY VASE, PERSIA, 17TH CENTURY

of bulbous form on a short splayed foot with waisted neck and strap handles, the rim of waisted form, decorated in a cream slip on a celadon ground with large sprays of leafy fronds to the front and back, the sides with interlaces of flower and split palmettes forming medallions terminating in palmettes.

34.5 cm. high

Chinese celadon wares became very popular during the Safavid period, not least because it was believed that they would change colour or even break if they came into contact with poison. Many imitations were made, though by the 17th century, the decoration had taken on a distinct Persian flavour. The leafy fronds on the present lot are directly comparable to those on a ghalian in the al-Sabah Collection (inv.noLNS 11C) and a jar sold at Sotheby's, Arts of the Islamic World, 25 April 2012, lot 560. Another ghalian with similar decoration is in the Victoria & Albert Museum (2508-1876).