- 365
A Deccani brass pilgrim flask, India, 16th/ 17th century
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- gilt metal
of crescent form resting on a diamond-shaped foot, with scroll terminals, tubular spout and a narrow cylindrical neck with everted rim, suspension loops to shoulder and neck, the body decorated with a moulded palmette lappet and pointillé inscription in devanagari
Condition
In good condition, missing spout, minor dents in body, underside with cleaning residue and erosion, light scratches to the surface, rim with some 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
'Surajvali Kuravil'
Although it is difficult to read the entirety of the inscription, this flask, engraved with the owner's name, was most probably gifted to him upon completion of the Hajj as would have been the custom.
Brass pilgrim flasks of identical form are found in museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 1992.50) and the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv. no. 18/1992). Zebrowski discusses this group in detail (Zebrowski 1997, p.199-205), describing how chains or cords would have been attached to the suspension loops enabling the flask to be carried on long journeys or into battle. The distinctive crescent-shaped form probably derives from a leather prototype. Miniatures from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries depict persons of political or spiritual stature holding similar pilgrim flasks.
A similar flask was sold in these rooms, 1 April 2009, lot 125 and 9 April 2008, lot 232.
'Surajvali Kuravil'
Although it is difficult to read the entirety of the inscription, this flask, engraved with the owner's name, was most probably gifted to him upon completion of the Hajj as would have been the custom.
Brass pilgrim flasks of identical form are found in museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 1992.50) and the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv. no. 18/1992). Zebrowski discusses this group in detail (Zebrowski 1997, p.199-205), describing how chains or cords would have been attached to the suspension loops enabling the flask to be carried on long journeys or into battle. The distinctive crescent-shaped form probably derives from a leather prototype. Miniatures from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries depict persons of political or spiritual stature holding similar pilgrim flasks.
A similar flask was sold in these rooms, 1 April 2009, lot 125 and 9 April 2008, lot 232.