Details

LOT 122

Islamic Ceramic Glazed Harpy Roof Tile

19 1/4" (Ceramic, 12.2 kg, 49 cm).

A very large undated ceramic figurine of a harpy standing on a rectangular base; the feet three-toed and legs square-section, the body rounded and wings slightly spread, decorated with green and brown glazed foliate detailing; the head modelled as a female face with fine features, black arched brow and rims to the eyes, the hair black and cascading from beneath a panelled crown with similar decoration, palmette above; Syrian workmanship.

Provenance

Ex French collection, acquired 1960s.

Footnotes

The human-headed bird is used in Islamic astrological iconography, as a symbol for the planet Mercury. Harpies also feature in Islamic art as decorative devices with generally positive connotations, as do other mythical beasts such as griffins and sphinxes.

CONDITION