Studying the worlds of ancient art that have been painstakingly restored or preserved to this day, one might have the opportunity to “attend” the funeral of an Egyptian king through a study of his burial vases and other artifacts of the period. One might have the chance to “visit” medieval Europe through an exhibit of its intricate glass, metalwork, enamel, stoneware, or ivory vases. Likewise, one might be given the opportunity to “tour” Asia, poring over the exquisite lacquer, jade, ceramic, cloisonné, or bronze vases, or to “return” to ancient Rome or Greece through the media of marble, bronze, or terra cotta.

Viewing art from anywhere in the world, from any period of time, one can feast one's eyes upon vases encrusted with precious gems or utilitarian objects.

Even stopping in at a modern art gallery, one might encounter magnificent examples of vases fashioned by contemporary artists in a wide range of media. One might feast in a display of glass blown vases from Italy, one of clever aquatic themed paperweight-style vases from New Zealand, or an installation of brilliantly hued Native American pottery vases. One might unexpectedly encounter a treasure-trove of exquisite cloisonné or enameled vases from China or Japan, or a cache of Art Nouveau pottery from a rising artist in France.

Knowing about the history of these works of art can help you when it comes to choosing a vase for the home. An appreciation of the art form makes the job much easier.

And of course insights into the world's civilizations from the dawn of time to the present day can be had by anyone who is willing to take the time to explore them. Studying any culture's artifacts, including their vases, both decorative and utilitarian, can open one's eyes to the world around as well as to world's seemingly long gone.