This is definitely not something that I expected to see earlier this week in the Boston area, although my initial feeling was that this slip decorated stoneware flask had a bit of age to it! It is quite refined, too, meaning light in weight. I also suspected at the time that it was Asian in origin, perhaps Chinese or Korean.
However, after some feedback and research, I learned that The British Museum in London owns a similar example that they acquired in China, probably in the 1980s, which they described as a "flask with two loop handles, decorated with slip trailed leaf with roundel on both sides, and made of glazed ceramic stoneware." This type or form of flask also dates back thousands of years with Chinese stoneware and porcelain potters, whereas some museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan make reference to a similar type of flask that was also produced by the ancient Romans.
Furthermore, I have no idea how this object made its way into America, seeing that I cannot imagine that this is something that was produced for the American market, although I found it in a group thrift/collectible type shop so it must retain some type of local ownership in the Boston area. Additionally, I would be curious to learn if this is something that may have been brought to Massachusetts in the late 1800s or 1900s, considering that there was a large population of Chinese migrants that came to the area during this period.
The British Museum also suggests a nineteenth or early twentieth century period for the manufacture date, although without more information about where these objects were actually made because the museum does not appear to have that information, then I suspect that these flasks may have also been produced earlier than this period. The museum only indicates that they acquired their flask in China, although no more history is provided about where exactly it was made.
Nevertheless, though, I think the idea that this flask could potentially retain a history of ownership with a local family is fascinating! Does anyone reading this post know more information about these objects?
Slip Decorated Stoneware Flask Recently Found in the Boston Area
Slip Decorated Stoneware Flask Probably Made in China
Recently Found in the Boston Area
Probably Retains a History of Ownership in the Boston Area
Stands 6" Tall
See Article for More Information
Another View of the Flask
See Article for More Information
Another View of the Flask
See Article for More Information
Another View of the Flask
See Article for More Information
Another View of the Flask
See Article for More Information
Another View of the Flask
See Article for More Information
A View of the Base
See Article for More Information
Slip Decorated Stoneware Flask Probably Made in China
Acquired in China Probably in the 1980s
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: The British Museum
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
