Vase

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 beauty. In the Department of Islamic Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this vase highlights the enduring legacy of metalwork across the Ottoman, Persian, and other Islamic regions during the 19th century. Artisans employed hammering and chasing techniques to shape such pieces, often producing items for everyday life that carried cultural prestige. Though unattributed to a specific maker, its presence in the museum's collection, acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1907, underscores early 20th-century efforts to preserve these artifacts, offering visitors a tangible link to the ingenuity of Islamic decorative arts.