Pilgrim Flask

Unknown

early 17th century · Brass; cast · Islamic Art

This flask relates to a group of similarly shaped vessels made of animal hide in India and earlier prototypes from Ottoman Turkey. The four metal rings on this brass example were possibly used for suspension. Containers of precisely this form are depicted in Deccani court painting, suggesting this work’s provenance.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Brass; cast

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, and Alastair B. Martin and Nathaniel Spear Jr. Gifts, 1992