12th-13th century AD. A ceramic jug with piriform body, bell-shaped neck, round-section handle and deep foot; pained blue with black painted geometric motifs and circumferential bands; attached is a tag with a handwritten note and a fragment of paper with inked calligraphic writing which was found adhering to the base of the jug; also accompanied by a photograph of the jug sent to the Victoria and Albert Museum together with a typed and signed reply dated 1971 from the museum's keeper in the department of ceramics, describing the jug as 'probably from the Sultanabad district.' 730 grams total, 19.5cm (7 3/4"). From the private collection of Antony John Scammell (1937-2019); acquired on the UK art market before 1971; previously found 1968 or before; accompanied by an old photograph, and letter to Mr Scammell from R. J. Charlston (keeper of department of ceramics) at the Victoria and Albert Museum concerning the piece dated 28 April 1971. Antony John Scammell (1937-2019) was born, and lived his entire life, in the city of Bristol, England. Already from an early age he was enthralled by history and the heroes that it created. While serving overseas with the British Army, Antony began collecting coins and banknotes and this led to collecting a variety of different items throughout his life. From the early 1960s onward, Antony invested in acquiring ancient artefacts. Antony's vast collections started with Egyptian antiquities, but soon branched into Greek and Roman civilisations. The Roman civilisation fascinated him most and, when family commitments allowed, archaeological digs were coordinated in the west of England. These digs uncovered numerous artefacts, many of which were donated to local museums. In retirement, the collecting continued apace, branching into UK coins, British Empire banknotes and fossils.