Vase
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Copper; tinned
Dimensions
H. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm) Diam. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm) Wt. 13.5 oz. (382.8 g)
Classification
Metal
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1907
Accession Number
07.67.20
Art Historical Context
This elegant 19th-century vase, crafted from tinned copper, exemplifies the metalworking traditions of the Islamic world Standing just 5⅛ inches (13 cm) tall with a diameter of 5¼ inches (13.3 cm) and weighing a modest 13.5 (382.8 g), it is a compact yet sturdy vessel, perfectly suited for domestic use such as holding water, flowers, or spices. The tinning process—applying a thin layer of to the copper surface—not only enhanced its silvery sheen and resistance to tarnish but also made it safe for food and drink, a practical innovation in Islamic craftsmanship that blended utility with subtle b...