This pair of vases refers to Mamluk originals—the Mamluks being the rulers of much of Egypt and Syria during the 13th to the early 16th Centuries. The style of the present vases is thus known as Mamluk Revival, a manner that became popular during the late 19th Century and remained popular during the early 20th Century, when these pieces were produced.
Each vase is of slender baluster form, featuring a bulbous body and a narrow neck, the neck culminating in a wide flaring trumpet mouth and the body supported by a cylindrical foot. The vases are formed from brass inlaid with copper and silver to produce profuse and detailed surface decoration. This decoration is primarily comprised of Thuluth inscriptions—wonderful flowing Arabic lettering—which adorn the main parts of the body and the neck. Several registers comprised of scrolling arabesques delineate the body, which are likewise composed of inlaid copper and silver above black ground heightening. The effect of the tri-metallic ornamentation is a visually rich and materially sumptuous decorative scheme.