A short necked bottle-shaped vase, circa 1880

Decorated with sytlized carnations, tulips and Saz leaves

Why Is It Important?

This represents one of two Persian styles by William De Morgan (1839-1917) which consisted of a range of enamel colours - blue, green, and turquoise on a white ground. The style was a pastiche of Syrian and Iznik motifts with its use of tulips and carnations, together with a simplified colour palette.

Cultural Links

The name "Tulip" is thought to be a corruption of the Turkish word for turbans.

Tulips grew wild in Persia and what is now modern Afganistan. In Persian legend the Tulip was seen as a symbol of avowed love.

Tulips were adopted as a symbol of the Ottoman Empire.

By the 17th Century Tulips were being widely cultivated in Europe.

Next : Head of an Arab, 1865 (Oil on canvas).

Previous : Eastern Scene with Minaret, undated (Oil on canvas).

End Arab Hall Tour.