The shape of this flask is based on a leather drinking flask traditionally used by the nomadic people of the North west regions of China. It is often referred to in Chinese as a 'Bianhu' and is also widely known as a pilgrim flask. This kind of flask is typically of flattened ovoid or circular form. This one is decorated in underglaze blue with a stylised lotus design, simple banded lines and floral scrolls. It dates to the reign of the Yongle emperor (1402-1424) of the Ming dynasty (1366-1644).

Note: Similar pieces are known to exist in the Percival David Foundation collection, the Sedgwick collection and the Topkapi Sarray, Istanbul - also dating to the Yongle period.

Bibliographic References: Ayers, John. 'Far Eastern Ceramics in the Victoria and Albert Museum' Monochrome plate No. 145.