Lot 2. Blue-and-White Pilgrim Flask for the Islamic Market, China, Ming dynasty, 15th century. Estimate 20.000 € - 26.000 €. Unsold. Photo Auctionata AG

Porcelain with underglaze blue painting. Crescent-shaped body on low trefoil-feet, the ends studded with flower-shaped applications. Narrow, slightly tapered neck with knopped mouth. Sideways a short cylindrical sprout. The body contrasted with volute-shaped cloud bands, rhombic, triangle and circle motifs as well as stylized leaf elements. Made for the Islamic export market. Accompanying by a matching box (later). Dimensions: 15.1 x 21.4 x 8.6 cm

Notes: Since the 15th century, the forms of Middle East glass and metal works began to take influence on shapes and patterns of the Ming ceramics. This very rare crescent-shaped flask was derived from the form of metal flasks of similar form, the kashkuls, and was produced for the Islamic export market of the Middle East. The Pilgrim flasks were often used to transport consecrated oil or salutary water.

A piece of identical shape can be found in the collection of the National Museum in Jakarta. Another flask of the same shape, but with different décor is depicted in: S.T. Yeo and Jean Martin, Chinese blue and White Ceramics, Singapore, 1978, pl. 28..

Art d'Asie - Partie I, le 20 Juin 2016 à 14h - AUCTIONATA AG, 14055 BERLIN