Albarello with Coat of Arms Decoration

ca. 1300-1400

This vase, made to contain pharmaceuticals or perfumes, belongs to a group of syrio-egyptian ceramics of the Mamluk period. The blue and white decor that can be seen on this vase is characteristic of the artistic influence from the Chinese Yuan dynasty (1279-1368) ceramics, imported in mass from the end of the 14th century in Egypt. Other various stylistic references can be seen, such as the central register ornamented with fleur-de-lis heraldic shields. Of oriental origin, the pattern relates probably to the widespread use made of it in the Middle East, since the 12th century, between the Zengid and the Mamluk periods.