Pilgrim flask

Artist: Italian , Venetian, early 16th century

Date: ca. 1500–1525

Culture: Italian (Venice)

Medium: Colorless (slightly tan) nonlead glass. Blown, enameled, gilt.

Dimensions: H. 12 3/8 in. (31.4cm)

Classification: Glass

Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975

Accession Number: 1975.1.1167

Description

Known in Venice as inghistere fracade ("flat-sided bottles"), pilgrim flasks drew on Islamic models not only for their shape but also for foliate and floral patterns. In both the Islamic world and Renaissance Venice, pilgrim flasks were often made in pairs to celebrate marriages.

Related