Flask

The Pilgrim's Flask

In the history of ceramics in Asia, some shapes for vessels spread widely and became popular in themselves, continuing to be produced long after their original function had ceased to be important.

The so-called pilgrim's flask is a round bottle with more or less flat sides and a short, often rather wide, neck. Such flasks were originally made for carrying water, like the canteens soldiers and hikers use. Several of the examples here have decorative loops recalling those by which a rope or carrying strap may have been attached.

Functional pilgrim's flasks were made in several materials. Some were of metal, for sturdiness; others were of leather, for lightness and flexibility. Still others were of unglazed earthenware (like one example here) to keep the liquid inside cool: Some of the liquid would seep through the porous earthenware and evaporate, producing a cooling effect.