Flask
910-1000 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This ceramic jar is in the shape of a leather flask and is decorated in applied relief. It was produced in north China during the Liao dynasty (907-1125 AD). The leaders of the Liao dynasty belonged to the Qidan, a nomadic people who originally settled outside the borders of China. The jar imitates in shape and decoration the portable pouches, made of animal skins, used by the nomadic Qidan.
This type of vessel could have been made for the Qidan themselves as a sign of their changed, more sedentary life; or it could have been purchased by the Han Chinese intrigued by the novelty of the shape.
This type of vessel could have been made for the Qidan themselves as a sign of their changed, more sedentary life; or it could have been purchased by the Han Chinese intrigued by the novelty of the shape.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Stoneware, with design of brown spots |
Brief description | Flask, stoneware with design of brown spots, China, Liao dynasty (907-1124) |
Physical description | This jar is in the shape of a leather flask. |
Dimensions |
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Style | |
Gallery label | Flask in form of leather bag
Liao dynasty
910-1000
The flask imitates a portable pouch, made of animal skin, used by the nomadic Qidan people.
Stoneware with white glaze and brown spots
Museum no. C.103-1913(2007) |
Summary | This ceramic jar is in the shape of a leather flask and is decorated in applied relief. It was produced in north China during the Liao dynasty (907-1125 AD). The leaders of the Liao dynasty belonged to the Qidan, a nomadic people who originally settled outside the borders of China. The jar imitates in shape and decoration the portable pouches, made of animal skins, used by the nomadic Qidan. This type of vessel could have been made for the Qidan themselves as a sign of their changed, more sedentary life; or it could have been purchased by the Han Chinese intrigued by the novelty of the shape. |
Bibliographic reference | Kerr, Rose. Song Dynasty Ceramics. London: V&A Publications, 2004. p. 42, no. 34. |
Collection | |
Accession number | C.103-1913 |
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Record created | December 15, 1999 |
Record URL |
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