This is a stunning, antique, Middle Eastern enamel vase, with Islamic writing in cartouches and floral decoration, in turquoise, royal blue, pink and white, with wide bands of metal. I have done a lot of research to try to discover where
It comes from and its age, and after extensive work, I have discovered that this is a rare vase from Damascus in Syria, early 19th century or possibly much earlier.

It’s use of geometric and floral designs is consistent with Islamic requirements, which is not to use figurative representation.
The enameling, which has been applied to a copper base, now quite dark with age, is quite generous and certainly not refined, as with Chinese enamels. But that is the style and technique of the Syrian artisans. The enamel colours have retained the brilliance and on the whole, have been preserved with very little damage. There is minor repair to a few enamel areas, which one has to look very carefully to even notice it.

It also comes with an elaborate copper metal stand which the vase sits comfortably.

At some point, it has been drilled into so that it can be use for a lamp. I have left the brass screw and the stump of a wire. But this is a very small hole. I have also noticed that the copper rim of the vase shows signs of wear, which I suspect might be from someone adding a top so that the lamp fixture could be attached. There is no tear or breakage, just slight indent, which my photos will show.
The vase measures, without the stand, 10 ½”(27cm) high, at it’s base the diameter is
4” (10cm), aat it’s belly it is 5 ¼”(13cm) wide, at it’s neck it is 2 ½”(6,5cm) wide and at the opening, the diameter is 4 ¼” (10,5cm).
The metal stand, which is 5 ¼” in diameter at it’s widest, adds another inch to the height of the vase.

This is a very beautiful, vibrant piece of craftsmanship. Probably in age, it is from the early 19th century, to put a modest date. But it could be very much earlier, as such designs date back to the 16th century.