PROBABLY DECCAN, CENTRAL INDIA, 17TH CENTURY

Details

AN INDIAN BRONZE PILGRIM FLASK
PROBABLY DECCAN, CENTRAL INDIA, 17TH CENTURY
Of typical crescent shape with scrolling volute terminals and long, slightly flared neck rising to hinged cap, paired attachment rings towards the base and top of neck with chain leading between them, spout with similar chain at the base of one of the scrolling volute terminals, a lightly moulded trefoil form on either side of the body containing inscription, cap associated
10 5/8in. (27cm.) high

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 15% on the buyer's premium

Lot Essay

A number of comparable flasks can be found in Mark Zebrowski, Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, London 1997, pp.202-3, nos. 301 and 308-315. The design, Zebrowski writes, evolved in order to carry water and wine on journey or into battle and the shape related to the pilgrim flask of medieval Europe and was, as R.H.Pinder-Wilson (and M. Tregear, "Two Drinking Flasks from Asia", Oriental Art, Vol. XVI, no. 4, winter 2970) originally suggested, probably derived from the leather containers often depicted in Mughal and Persian painting.

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