Early 20th Century Iranian Ceramic Flower Vase

20th Century Persian ceramic flower vase.  Discovered in the South of France, it was described by its previous owner as early 20th Century Iranian. It is glazed enamel with a bulbous body leading to a narrowed neck and opening in which several flower stems would sit beautifully. Like much Islamic art, the decoration features plants and birds. The prominent use of birds as motifs may be linked to all the bird references within the Quran. The Quran states that souls take the form of a bird on their journey to God. This also refers to the two types of people in the world: those that remain on the ground and those that rise above reaching their true purpose in life (which refers to an attainment to God). A connection may exist to the theory of evolution as birds evolved from ground-dwelling creatures. This could be connected to the idea of progression and how an individual must set one’s sight above lower subjects in order to fly (which is symbolic of a paradise in the afterlife). Notwithstanding the symbolism, it is a beautiful piece in fair condition which appears to have minor age-related blemishes such as small nicks and cracks, etc, however, not affecting the overall impression of the piece. Upon request a video may be provided. 

Dimensions:

H 24 cm / 9.4"

Dia 12 cm / 4.7"