Islamic 11th century rock crystal ewer sold at Lawrences Auctioneers
Published January 21st, 2008
ukauction.info - A rare 11th century rock crystal ewer, misidentified as a 19th Century French claret jug, has sold for 220,000 pounds at auction. It was sold at an auction held by Lawrences Auctioneers of Crewkerne, Somerset, in southwest England.
The item was catalogued as: “A French claret jug: The rock crystal body carved with animals, the silver gilt mounts with enameled decoration, 19th century, 30 cm. (cracked and damaged). In fitted box of Morel a Sevres. 100-200 pounds.”
Experts believe it may be rock crystal ewer from the Fatimid dynasty which ruled parts of northern Africa and the Middle East in the 10th-12th centuries.
One dealer, described the crystal ewer as a “Holy Grail” of Islamic art.
“If it is authentic, it is priceless,” said Anna Contadini, an Islamic art expert at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.
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