Details

Object type

bottle; flask; pilgrim flask

Culture/School

Islamic; Middle Eastern; Iranian; Persian; Seljuk

Place Associated

Asia, Middle East, Iran, Kashan (place of manufacture)

Date

Seljuk period, 12th century

Materials

fritware body, lustre-decorated over an opaque glaze

Dimensions

overall: 208 mm x 139 mm x 85 mm 463 g

Description

This flask’s shape is commonly known as a ‘pilgrim bottle’, but this vessel did not function as so. Its moulded shape is formed of a flattened circular body, with relief embossed roundels in the centre of each flat side.

The vessel is painted with red-tinted lustre over a white opaque glaze. The decoration on the flattened faces of the vessel consists of a central roundel enclosing a seated male, with his legs cross folded, raising his left hand and turning his face to the left. The figure has long dark hair and is wearing a turban which is framed by a white halo in the background. The roundels are surrounded by a circular band of vegetal scrolls.

The shoulders of the vessel have two loops, one either side of the bottle’s flaring neck. Below each of the loops is painted a dog, and on the outer sides of the loops are inscriptions. The vessel’s body sits on a round flaring base.

Gifted by Sir William and Lady Constance Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944.

Credit Line/Donor

Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944

Collection

Burrell Collection: Persian and Syrian Items [including Luristan Bronzes]

ID Number

33.158

Location

Burrell Collection