Title
Flask with lid
Year/Period
Tang dynasty, around 830s
Region
Southern China
Object Type
Material
Dimension
Object Size: 2005.1.00385.001 35 x 8 x 9 cm,
Object Size: 2005.1.00385.002 30.1 x 24.5 x 24 cm
Object Size: 2005.1.00385.002 30.1 x 24.5 x 24 cm
Accession No.
2005.1-00385
Collection of
Credit Line
The Tang Shipwreck was acquired through the generous donation of the Estate of Khoo Teck Puat.
Apart from their luxurious appeal, gold and silver vessels were popular among the Tang elites because it was thought that drinking and eating from them would enhance one’s longevity. This flask is notable for its large size and intricate workmanship. It is fully gilded and covered with lush decoration of leaves and petals. Attention was paid to every detail, including the handle formed as a snake. The pair of mandarin ducks on each of the two main sides symbolise marital fidelity and harmony in China, as they are traditionally believed to mate with a single partner for life.
