Turkey, Iznik
Mug
Ottoman Empire, 2nd half 16th century
Earthenware with underglaze painted decoration
19.6 x 10.7 cm
Mary Jane Gunsaulus Collection, 1913.342

Can you find tulips, chrysanthemums, and bluebells in the decoration on this mug?

Although we associate tulips with Holland, they were introduced into Europe in the sixteenth century from Istanbul (Constantinople) in Turkey, where beautiful gardens were highly prized, and were also symbols of a heavenly paradise.