Vase (multi-necked), fritware, painted in underglaze blue, Iran, 1600-1700.

Vase, of fritware, oviform with three tubular openings on the shoulder, painted in underglaze blue with landscapes and figures, in imitation of Chinese blue and white porcelain. Imitation of Chinese seal mark, known as a "tassel" mark, in blue on the base.

This object was purchased in Tehran in 1873, by Robert Murdoch Smith on behalf of the Museum. In his first bulk acquisition for the South Kensington Museum (today the V&A), Murdoch Smith had bought "a considerable collection" of over 100 examples of metalwork, ceramic, inlaid woodwork and textile from different local sources, including French diplomat Emile Charles Bernay and four art-dealers: Nasrullah Dellal, Abu'l-Hassan Dellal, Abdul-Husayn and Reza Kashi of Tehran. Many further acquisitions followed in the years 1873-1878 and 1883-1885, most extensively from the art-dealer Jules Richard, long resident in Tehran.

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This vase was designed for displaying cut-flowers in the multiple spouted openings around the shoulder and neck. These spouted vases were evidently exported to Europe, in particular the Netherlands, where they inspired a group of spouted objects, often of large scale, for flower displays.Queen Mary II owned a number of these Delft examples.

457-1874