Lot 180
- 180
A gilded and enamelled glass pilgrim flask, Venice, probably 15th/16th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- glass
the glass body blown into bulbous form with flat sides, four small lug handles, gilted with radiating design and polychrome enamelled details
Condition
The glass intact, with trail mark to underside, the interior could benefit from professional cleaning, the exterior with rubbing to gilding, enamel bright and colourful, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue 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).