04/10/2026
Tulips, Carnations and Iznik Vases: The Story Behind Turkish Floral Art
Long before tulips became a symbol of the Netherlands, they were treasured in the Ottoman world. Tulips, carnations, roses and pomegranates bloom across Turkish textiles, tiles and ceramics, and they are the flowers I return to again and again in my hand-drawn vase illustrations.
A short history of Iznik ceramics
Iznik, a town in northwestern Turkey, became famous for its ceramics from the late 15th century. Early pieces were mostly cobalt blue on white, inspired in part by Chinese porcelain. Over the 16th century the palette grew to include turquoise, green and a striking raised tomato red, and the designs filled with flowers. Iznik tiles still decorate great Ottoman mosques and palaces in Istanbul today.
The meaning of the flowers
Tulip (lale): the beloved flower of the Ottoman court. The early 18th century is even remembered as the Tulip Era (Lale Devri), when tulip gardens and festivals were the height of fashion.
Carnation (karanfil): one of the most common motifs in Iznik and textile design, often stylized with serrated petals.
Pomegranate (nar): a symbol of abundance and fertility, a lovely choice for kitchens and dining rooms.
Rose and hyacinth: frequent companions in the classic floral repertoire.
Bringing Turkish floral art into your home My vase drawings are inspired by these traditions, drawn by hand and reimagined in a modern, colorful way. A few favorites:
Pink Tulip Wall Art: soft pink tulips in an Ottoman ceramic vase.
Tulip Vase Wall Art: Turkish tulips with detailed linework, inspired by folk art.
Peony Wall Art with Blue and White Iznik Vase: a bold navy background for maximalist and chinoiserie-style rooms.
Pomegranate Wall Art: ripe pomegranates on an Iznik vase, perfect for the kitchen.
Carnation Wall Art: carnations in an Ottoman vase, a classic motif in a fresh style.
See the full Hand-Drawn Iznik Florals collection, or save with the Tulip Vase Set of 2 for an instant pair.
link in comments!
