- 223
India, Deccan
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- Pilgrim Flask
- brass
- height: 32.5cm., 12 3/4in., width: 28.5cm., 11 1/4 in.
engraved to lid
Provenance
Bonhams, London, 25 October 2007, lot 525
Condition
In overall good condition, some minor dents to body and along base, some cleaning residue within crevices, some of the small hooks possibly later replacements (with age), the lid appears to be contemporary to the piece although may have been re-affixed, some minor patches with oxidisation, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
Vessel 351 in Sanskrit script on lid
Undecipherable inscription on body
These inscriptions perhaps allude to an inventory number of the original owner or commissioner of this vessel.
Whereas the form of this pilgrim flask, which is derived from earlier leather prototypes, is discussed in detail by Zebrowski, it is extremely rare to find complete examples such as this one which have their original lid and are inscribed (see Mark Zebrowski, Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, London, 1997, p.199-205). Pilgrim flasks of identical form are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (without a lid, inv. no. 1992.50), the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv. no. 32/2008), and the Khalili Collection (inv. no. MTW 1530). Furthermore, it is interesting to compare the shape to Chinese porcelain flasks which slightly pre-date the Deccani models demonstrating the spread and reinterpretation of the leather prototype which would have been used by nomadic tribes. Indeed, chains or cords would have been attached to the suspension loops enabling the flask to be carried on long journeys or into battle.
Vessel 351 in Sanskrit script on lid
Undecipherable inscription on body
These inscriptions perhaps allude to an inventory number of the original owner or commissioner of this vessel.
Whereas the form of this pilgrim flask, which is derived from earlier leather prototypes, is discussed in detail by Zebrowski, it is extremely rare to find complete examples such as this one which have their original lid and are inscribed (see Mark Zebrowski, Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, London, 1997, p.199-205). Pilgrim flasks of identical form are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (without a lid, inv. no. 1992.50), the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv. no. 32/2008), and the Khalili Collection (inv. no. MTW 1530). Furthermore, it is interesting to compare the shape to Chinese porcelain flasks which slightly pre-date the Deccani models demonstrating the spread and reinterpretation of the leather prototype which would have been used by nomadic tribes. Indeed, chains or cords would have been attached to the suspension loops enabling the flask to be carried on long journeys or into battle.