About this work
This pair of vases reveals a mix of inspiration from Japan and the Middle East. The forms are based upon the glass mosque lamps from Egypt and Syria, while the gilt bases reference Japanese bronzes. The enamelled decoration of pendant lotus buds around the shoulder and stylised acanthus leaves around the neck suggest loose references to Islamic design. They are typical of Minton’s productions during the 1860s and 1870s, when the manufactory was focused on producing wares in a style that encompassed Chinese, Japanese and Islamic design influences.