The design of this vase is based on the lamps commonly found in the Middle East in the 13th and 14th centuries, especially in mosques. These lamps hung from the ceiling from three eyelets; they were placed on the base when refilled with oil. The wick was often fixed in a Glass tube in the center. However, the Düsseldorf vase does not feature a holder like this; presumably it was never used as a lamp. Further, the inscription on the rim, the Kufic lettering of which is only copied, but illegible, shows that the vase was neither produced in the Orient nor destined for it. Rather, it is a European product that catered to the great admiration in the West for Oriental craftwork. At the time this lamp was made, Glass production in the Middle East had already been experiencing a dramatic decline for around 100 years, and Venice assumed the leading role worldwide. The lamp, thought to be unique, is proof of this. (Dedo von Kerssenbrock-Krosigk)