of typical square section tapered to a rounded foot, the sides carved with layered ribs and paired scrolls with composite floral rosette medallions and scrolling palmette stems

Condition: These two stone capitals are in good condition in consideration of their age. There is minor loss to one side and abrasion to the centre of another side on the smaller capital. There are small nibbles and knocks to the rims and slight loss to one corner. The large capital is very minor abrasion and loss to one corner and slight nibbles and knocks on the rims of the base. The decorations on both capitals are very crisp and deeply carved, showing all the details, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This stone capital relates to the stucco work found at Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi (Syrie, Mémoire et Civilisation, IMA, Paris 1994, p.412) . Raqqa was an important fortified stronghold throughout the Umayyad period, but the idea of creating a new city there is often credited to the Abbasid caliph al-Mansur (EI, vol.VIII, p.410-11). It was his son, al-Mahdi, who implemented this plan from 771-2 onwards. This new city, called al-Rafika, was constructed about 200m west of al-Rakka taking th🎃e recently completed residential areas of Baghdad as its model. Taken together, al-Raqqa and al-Rafika formed the largest urban area in Syria and northern Mesopotamia after Baghdad. Related Raqqa capitals were sold through these rooms 3 May 2001, lots 90-92 and 15 October 1986, lot 128.