Tulip Vase, 17th century, Iran.

Tulip Vase, 17th century, Iran.

Tulip Vase, 17th century, Iran. Stonepaste; painted in blue under transparent glaze. H. 10 3/16 (25.9 cm) Diam. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm). Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1966. Accession Number: 66.107.1 © 2000–2012 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This multispouted vessel is often referred to as a tulip vase. Although its exact purpose in the Safavid milieu is unknown, it could have functioned as a container for holding tulip bulbs. As large quantities of Chinese blue-and- white porcelain vases in a myriad of shapes were imported to Iran and Europe in the seventeenth century, it is possible that they inspired locally produced variations.