Pilgrim flask
![Detail of a pattern](https://asia.si.edu/wp-content/themes/custom/nmaa/nmaa-frontend/public/images/hero-bkgrnd-desktop.jpg)
Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
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Period
late 6th-early 7th century -
Geography
Northern China -
Material
Stoneware with transparent glaze over white slip -
Dimension
H x W x D: 38.4 x 31.1 x 17 cm (15 1/8 x 12 1/4 x 6 11/16 in) -
Accession Number
S1995.92 -
EDAN ID
edanmdm:fsg_S1995.92
Object Details
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Description
This flask is unusually large, with a full flattened ovoid body supported on an oval, splayed foot. The buff-white clay of the body is mold cast, and covered by a finely crazed colorless glaze that is often described as white or straw-colored. The large flattened body is decorated with a single pendant palmette molded in low relief. The stem of the palmette continues around the edge to form a frame, the bottom of which rises to two points to form a curved dishlike support for the largest petal of the palmette. The two small lugs are attached separately to the shoulder. -
Provenance
Dr. and Mrs. Fritz Bilfinger, Zurich and Massachusetts [1]1995Sale, Sotheby's, New York, 1995From 1995Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, purchased at auction, Sotheby's, New York, in 1995Notes:[1] The object was in the collection of Dr. and Mrs. Fritz Bilfinger (Zurich, Switzerland and Massachusetts), and was on loan to the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, during the early 1960s (according to Provenance Remark 1, Jenny So, March 17,1995, in the object record). -
Collection
National Museum of Asian Art Collection -
Exhibition History
The Arts of China (November 18, 1990 to September 7, 2014)Chinese Art: Symbols and Images (April 16 to June 6, 1967) -
Previous custodian or owner
Dr. and Mrs. Fritz BilfingerSotheby's (New York) -
Origin
Northern China -
Credit Line
Purchase — Smithsonian Unrestricted Trust Funds -
Type
Vessel -
Restrictions and Rights
Usage Conditions Apply
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