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Collections

Canteenmid-12th century

On view:
Geffen Galleries, Earth and Water
Ceramic pilgrim flask with flattened spherical body, two loop handles, and honey-tan glaze painted with cobalt blue bird and scrolling relief decoration
Ceramic flask with a flattened spherical body, narrow neck, and two small loop handles, covered in a tan luster glaze with iridescent blue and purple patches and molded scrolling foliate decoration.
Ceramic pilgrim flask with flattened spherical body, narrow neck, and two small loop handles, decorated with scrolling foliate relief patterns in pale tan and faded blue glaze with iridescent surface weathering.
Ceramic pilgrim flask with flat circular body, narrow neck, and two loop handles, covered in a weathered buff glaze with iridescent blue-green patches and molded scrolling vine decoration across the surface.
Ceramic pilgrim flask with flat circular body, two loop handles, and short cylindrical neck; buff glaze with iridescent sheen and blue-accented molded relief decoration of scrolling foliage and a central winged motif.
Title
Canteen
Place Made
Syria
Date Made
mid-12th century
Medium
Fritware, carved and glazed, with applied neck and handle
Dimensions
Height: 6 1/2 in. (16.51 cm)
Credit Line
The Madina Collection of Islamic Art, gift of Camilla Chandler Frost
Accession Number
M.2002.1.140
Classification
Ceramics
Collecting Area
Art of the Middle East: Islamic
Curatorial Notes

The basic form of the canteen, which is still in use today, may be traced to Roman times; it has changed little over the centuries. While medieval Islamic canteens are sometimes referred to as pilgrim flasks, most seem to have played a more ordinary role as water vessels. A few canteens are glazed as well, such as this example; all have applied handles, which would allow for suspension.

Selected Bibliography
  • Komaroff, Linda, editor. Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art; New York: DelMonico Books, 2023.