Iran, second half of the 17th century
Stonepaste, luster decoration over colored and colorless transparent glazes; stopper: metal with engraved and repoussé decoration, cornelian cabochon
H. 27 cm; Body Diam. 16.5 cm; Base Diam. 10 cm
Musée du Louvre, gift of Mme Octave Homberg, 1907
OA 6122

This type of pear-shaped bottle with a tapering neck is often represented in Safavid miniatures. The shape of the body, divided into six beveled panels, distantly echoes – in ceramics – that of metal pieces produced in India during the Mughal period.
The vegetal decoration on Safavid lusterware displays a certain stylistic unity: the vegetal repertoire features flowering tufts of a rather indeterminate nature alongside irises, carnations and sometimes trees. It is highly probable that the emergence of naturalistic floral motifs on these ceramics was due to the influence of Mughal textile designs.