Deccani gilt metal pilgrim flask, India, 16th/ 17th century

Deccani gilt metal pilgrim flask, India, 16th/ 17th century

of crescent form resting on a diamond-shaped foot, with scroll terminals, tubular spout and a narrow cylindrical neck surmounted with a hinged dome cover with knop finial, suspension loops to shoulder and neck, the body decorated with a moulded palmette lappet. 30.3cm. height. Estimate 20,000—30,000 GBP

NOTE: Brass pilgrim flasks of identical form are found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and The David Collection, Copenhagen. 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. This example is unusually complete, retaining its original cover.

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. The earliest brass example dates to the fourteenth century and is either from the Deccan or South India; its surface is beautifully engraved with lotus buds and its body supported by rearing yalis (ibid p.202, no.309); what is interesting is the diamond-shaped base which has parallels to the current lot and a fourteenth-century double-bellied ewer excavated at Kollur in the Deccan.

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World. 01 Apr 09. London www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's