Iron Beer (Chhaang) Flask Overlaid with Silver & Gold

Iron Beer (Chhaang) Flask Overlaid with Silver & Gold

Chamdo, Eastern Tibet

17th-18th century

height: 38cm, width: 37cm

This superb iron flask appears to be modelled after Chinese porcelain moon flasks, and/or the ‘pilgrim’ flasks used by nomads. Such flasks were made in Chamdo in Eastern Tibet, which was a famous metal working centre. The sides are flat, originally to allow such flasks to be strapped to the side of a pack animal. It has brass mounts and both sides are over-laid in gold and silver with a central dragon motif surrounded by stylised, swirling clouds.

The design is achieved by lightly scoring the iron surface of the flask and then hammering on gold and silver, which are softer metals, onto the surface. (The process is known today as damascening, after the city of Damascus, which was once renowned for this technique.)

The brass spout comprises a long-snouted makara. The ‘S’-shaped handle is in the form of a Himalayan dragon. Both are in brass, as is an intricate stopper with a lotus bud-like finial. The stopper is attached to the flask by means of a chain. The chain is original.

The British Museum has on display an almost identical example almost certainly from the same workshop, which it attributes to the 17th century. Another example is in the Newark Museum and illustrated in Reynolds (1978, p. 52).

The flask is in fine condition with an excellent patina.

References

Reynolds, V., Tibet: A Lost World: The Newark Museum Collection of Tibetan Art and Ethnology, The American Federation of Arts, 1978.

Provenance:

UK art market

Inventory no.: 2995

SOLD

The British Museum example, currently on display.