Antique Decorated Terracotta Flask, 1800

Antique Decorated Terracotta Flask, 1800, lenticular in shape with a white background and concentric circular decorations painted in shades of blue and ochre, outlined in black, with a base. The tallest has a join at the base of a handle. The decoration is on both sides of the flask with side loops and holes in the base for passing a cord. In good condition apart from some scratches compatible with use and dating, and a chip at the base. From Central Italy. These small terracotta flasks had the peculiarity of containing water or other liquids needed for hydration during pilgrim journeys. Relatively small in size, lenticular in shape, and capable of being attached to a belt or carried over the shoulder using a cord passed around the flask and through four loops or pierced openings on the sides. Thus, the essential instrument for the traveler was soon decorated and enriched with new forms, both in the flask's plastic design and its typology, leading to peculiar shapes like flasks hollow in the center which, having a base, suggest a more decorative than functional purpose. Even the decoration evolved from primitive graffiti with geometric or floral motifs, to enamel coloring or painted decoration according to the usual models of the period, or in the more popular examples, of an abstract nature as in the case of flasks with abstract, almost casual decoration, in which we like to imagine the decorator simply had colors to use or finish. Height: 21.3 cm - Width: 18.5 cm - Depth: 5.3 cm art. A1061c