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Flask with Zodiac Medallions

first half 14th century, with additions first half 20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
The blue flask’s two sides present the object’s stratified history. A close investigation recently revealed that the painted and gilded decoration, once on both sides, is a modern enhancement applied to a plain surface— probably while the flask was in fragments before being reassembled. A sticker still glued to the vessel’s interior wall suggests that the restoration was executed in Iran.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Flask with Zodiac Medallions
  • Date: first half 14th century, with additions first half 20th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, Kashan
  • Medium: Stonepaste; molded, blue-glazed, overpainted, and gilded
  • Dimensions: H. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
    W. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1957
  • Object Number: 57.164
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Moon flask, Doulton Manufactory British, Lead-glazed earthenware, transfer-printed and gilt, British, Lambeth, London
Moon flask
Doulton Manufactory
ca. 1878–82
Standing Figure with Jeweled Headdress, Gypsum plaster; modeled, carved, polychrome-painted, gilded
Standing Figure with Jeweled Headdress
12th–early 13th century
Tile from a Frieze, Stonepaste; overglaze luster-painted, molded
Tile from a Frieze
second half 13th century
Moon flask, Henry Slater, Lead-glazed earthenware, transfer-printed and gilt, British, Burslem, Staffordshire
Moon flask
Designer Designed by Henry Slater
Manufactory Pinder, Bourne & Co.
Decorator Doulton Manufactory
ca. 1878–82

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