Lot 180. A gilded and enamelled glass pilgrim flask, Venice, probably 15th-16th century. Estimate 20,000 — 30,000 GBP. Lot sold 68,750 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's. 2017 

the glass body blown into bulbous form with flat sides, four small lug handles, gilted with radiating design and polychrome enamelled details, 31cm. height

Note: This enamelled glass pilgrim flask is related to a group known in Venice as 'inghistere facade' or 'flat-sided bottle' as well as 'guastada' or 'Damascene glass'. Whereas the shape is of Islamic origin and can be traced back to models brought back by pilgrims from the Holy Land, during the Renaissance such pilgrim flasks were produced in Venice in honour of marriage celebrations. The decoration, comprising gold leaf and enamelled abstract motifs (sometimes combined with figures), was produced in an Orientalising manner specifically for the taste of the period and reminiscent of the sanctified material that its antecedents would have originally carried. The shape and design was so popular that it became one of the most enduring models of Venetian glass production and a number of similar examples are now in museums such as the British Museum, London (inv. no. 1880,0701.4), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 1975.1.1167) and the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (inv. no. R.B.K 1957-14). For further information on these glass bottles, see Mack 2002, pp.118-120, no.123). 

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World, London, 26 Apr 2017, 10:30 AM