The Egyptians have had a fondness for vases since the time the Pharaohs ruled the land. Vases served multiple purposes. Some were used to store food and water. While other were simply used for decorative purposes. The ancient Egyptians were masterful pottery makers, with clay being the primary material used for making vases. However, a wide range of other materials were also used to create all types of vases with different designs and shapes. The Egyptians had a fondness for Basalt, because of its rich black color and its durability. They also used a variety of other stones such as limestone and onyx. Many vases were also made with alabaster. Vases were used for sacrificial and funerary purposes. The deceased were often buried with vases adorned with images of the holy gods for protection in the journey to the afterlife and beyond.
Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, Egypt has gone through a wide array of cultural and religious. However, the pharaonic era left a lasting impact on Egypt, with much of its art and culture being celebrated and incorporated into modern Egyptian society. Today, pharaonic-inspired vases are highly-popular and continue to influence other styles as well.
The arabesque style of art emerged around the 10th century in Baghdad and eventually made its way over to Egypt and grew quickly in popularity. Arabesque-style vases with their beautiful nature-inspired, harmonious geometric patterns quickly grew in popularity.
Each period of Egyptian history is truly unique in its arts, traditions and culture. Here at Swan Bazaar we want to encapsulate and highlight the beauty of each of these eras of Egypt’s rich and varied history. Our exquisite vases highlight each of these periods by borrowing from the traditional art style in a lavish, ornate way.
You will find antique vases made in the traditional of oriental Arabesque, hand-inlaid with precious mother of pearl and made of the finest quality wood. These vintage vases are authentically Egyptian, perfect for lovers of oriental Islamic Egypt. We also offer a wide range of vases that would have been commonly found in ancient Egypt. These pharaonic-style vases are decorated with images of ancient Egyptian gods, hieroglyphics or with just the beautiful grain of the stone shining through. All of these vases are hand-crafted by talented artists in Egypt.
Our Green Alabaster Amphora Vase is one of our one of a kind ancient Egyptian vases. It is handmade by local Egyptian artists in Luxor, where Alabaster has been traditionally used in crafts and art since pharaonic times. This amphora vase is hand-crafted of high-quality alabaster stone, fashioned with two delicate handles and a narrow slender neck.
The Amphora vase in ancient Egyptian history was the most useful kind of vases. It was created in different sizes to contain various contents such as water, oil, or grain. Oriental Alabaster is calcite which is harder and more durable than stone, more comparable to marble. This material was used widely by the ancient Egyptians in the walls of temples, lining of tombs, and in vases and funerary vessels. This beautiful alabaster vase is made with great attention to detail and following in the traditions of the ancient Egyptians!
Basalt was one of the ancient Egyptians most beloved stone. We offer a wide array of royal pharaonic style vases hand-carved of high-quality basalt stone and adorned with sacred figures, motifs and symbols. Our Tall Basalt Vase Decorated with Horus and Anubis Pharaonic Blessing Scene is a recreation of traditional ceremonial or funerary vases from ancient Egypt.
It is handmade by local Egyptian artists, embellished with hieroglyphics and motifs from antiquity and featuring the mighty gods, Horus and Anubis—two of the most revered and powerful gods in ancient Egypt. This stunning vase is hand-carved out of high-quality, basalt stone and painted with a glossy paint for protection and a shiny finish. The ancient Egyptians decorated their homes, tombs and temples with black basalt in the late eras of the civilization. Basalt was viewed as a symbol of wealth and opulence.
This elegant vase highlights a holy scene with both Anubis and Horus blessing the pharaoh. It is hand-carved and delicately painted with locally-sourced natural paint, adorned with detailed hieroglyphics and the key of life or Ankh, the representation of eternal life.
Each vase tells its own story. The Islamic Arabesque style vases highlight the ornate and simple beauty of this unique art form. With the Islamization of Egypt after the Muslim conquest in the 7th century, architecture and home decor has taken on a more oriental, geometric style following the trend of Islamic architecture. A noteworthy period with delicate ornate furnishings begins with the emergence of the Arabesque art style.
The arabesque art style spread widely in Arab countries but the most recognized arabesque style hailed from Egypt. Egyptian artists found inspiration in their natural surroundings. They used to depict natural elements on furniture and other items in geometrical shapes and patterns of circles, triangles, and squares to formulate harmonious floral and geometric patterns.
Arabesque art blossomed in the Abbasid period of the Islamic Empire. This was the golden age for Islamic art and science. Today, talented artists in the heart of Islamic Cairo make handcrafted wooden furniture and decorative items using traditional techniques.
Arabesque is one of the most authentic and charming styles even for modern Arab households. Arabesque furniture is ornate and sophisticated. In spite of the popularity of modern, classic and contemporary styles, the oriental Arabesque style is a beloved and cherished art form celebrating Egypt’s rich heritage.
We offer a variety of vases made with high-quality materials and keeping with the tradition of the arabesque style. The vases are adorned with delicate artistic ornaments of the Arabesque art style. They are all meticulously hand-inlaid with rare precious mother of pearl to create these beautiful geometric shapes. Our talented artists work exclusively with natural materials to handcraft gorgeous yet durable pieces of furniture inspired by history and nature.
These vases capture the timeless beauty and wonder of Egypt’s different art form. Our unique vases are completely handmade with locally-sourced, high-quality materials. These vases are a celebration of Egypt’s history, heritage and culture.