Decorated earthenware traveler's flask, 1800

Decorated earthenware traveler's flask, 1800, with a round shape, empty in the center, with a white background and abstract decorations painted in shades of blue, ochre, and green. The decoration is only on the outer side of the flask. Originates from Central Italy, in good condition. These small terracotta flasks were notable for containing water or other liquids needed to quench the thirst of pilgrims during their travels. Relatively small in size, with a lenticular shape, they could be anchored to the belt or carried over the shoulder by means of a cord passed around the flask and threaded through four loops or perforated grips arranged on the sides. Thus, the essential tool for the traveler was soon decorated and enriched with new forms, both in the flask's shape and its typology, eventually finding particular forms such as flasks empty in the center, which, being equipped with a base, suggest a more decorative than functional purpose. The decoration also evolved from primitive graffiti with geometric or floral motifs, to enamel coloring or pictorial 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 decoration, almost random, in which we like to think that the decorator simply had colors to use or finish. Height: 21.3 cm - Width: 18.5 cm - Depth: 5.3 cm Art. A1061b 
Measures H x L x P 21.3 x 18.5 x 5.3