Cylindrical tankards, such as this one, with angular flat handles derive their form from a traditional Turkish leather drinking vessel [hanap]. Ceramic versions often carry hatched lines on their handles, echoing the stitches on the original leather example. Similarities between these drinking vessels and European ones of related shape, used for ale or beer, made them an ideal object for export and the tankard became a common product at Iznik, in the second half of the sixteenth century.

The naturalist floral decoration growing from the base of this tankard, comprises tall roses, bluebells, and asters painted in at least seven shades. The rim and base are emphasised by a frieze of floral motifs, including three tulip buds, possibly a sign of the workshop.

More unusual colours were introduced in the mid-sixteenth century, especially pastel tones such as salmon, ochre, lavender blue and violet, a century before Chinese potters developed famille verte polychrome enamels.