Armenian Palestinian Pottery Vase — Iznik Floral, Jerusalem circa 1930s

Hand-thrown, hand-painted, and rooted in one of the most extraordinary craft histories of the twentieth century — this cobalt blue vase carries the visual language of sixteenth-century Iznik and the singular story of Armenian Jerusalem.

OBJECT DETAILS An ideal piece for collectors of Middle Eastern and Armenian art, interior designers sourcing objects of rare cultural depth, or for film and TV prop buyers seeking period-accurate Levantine or Orientalist set dressing.

A hand-thrown earthenware vase with globular body and cream-glazed rim, the exterior densely hand-painted on a cobalt blue ground with polychrome floral decoration in the Iznik tradition — tulips, carnations, rosettes and scrolling white saz leaves in teal, terracotta, white and yellow. The terracotta clay body and characteristic glazing are consistent with the Palestinian Pottery workshop established in Jerusalem in 1922 by master potter Neshan Balian Sr. and master painter Megerditch Karakashian — the founding atelier of Armenian ceramics in the Holy Land. The base bears pencil marks consistent with workshop numbering practice. In the tradition of the Balian-Karakashian Palestinian Pottery, Jerusalem, circa 1930s–1940s. Attribution based on physical characteristics; no legible maker's mark confirmed.

DIMENSIONS H 23cm × Rim D 10cm (H 9.1" × Rim D 3.9")

CONDITION REPORT In very good vintage condition, consistent with age and use. Cobalt glaze rich and intact throughout the exterior. Glazed rim intact with no chips or cracks. Interior glazed with crazing and staining consistent with age and use — visible in photographs. No restoration visible. Photographs form part of this description. Please review all images carefully as they document the piece's condition in full detail.

CURATOR'S NOTE Selected for the quality of its hand-painted decoration and its connection to one of the most remarkable craft stories of the twentieth century. The Balian-Karakashian Palestinian Pottery workshop, founded in Jerusalem in 1922, produced some of the finest Iznik-revival ceramics of the modern era — collected internationally and exhibited at the Smithsonian. A piece of genuine historical resonance.

What is the condition of this piece? This piece is in very good vintage condition, consistent with age and use. Cobalt glaze rich and intact throughout the exterior. Glazed rim intact with no chips or cracks. Interior glazed with crazing and staining consistent with age and use — visible in photographs. No restoration visible. Photographs form part of this description — please review all images carefully.

What are the exact dimensions? H 23cm × Rim D 10cm (H 9.1" × Rim D 3.9")

Where does this piece come from? In the tradition of the Balian-Karakashian Palestinian Pottery workshop, Jerusalem, circa 1930s–1940s. The Palestinian Pottery was established in 1922 by master potter Neshan Balian Sr. and master painter Megerditch Karakashian. Attribution based on physical characteristics; no legible maker's mark confirmed.

Do you ship internationally? Yes — Fontaine London ships worldwide. Prices shown include duties and taxes for your country (DDP — Delivered Duty Paid), so there are no surprise charges on delivery. Shipping cost is calculated at checkout.

Is this piece suitable for film or TV prop use? Yes — this piece is available for prop hire enquiries. Please contact us directly to discuss.

What is your returns policy? We offer a 14-day return policy for items that do not match their description. As all pieces are one-of-a-kind vintage items, we ask buyers to review all photographs and the condition report carefully before purchasing. Photographs form part of the item description.