Title
Seagull vacuum flask
Year/Period
c.1969
Region
Singapore and China
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
without cap: 22.0 x 8.0 x 8.0 cm
Cap: 6.0 x 7.8 x 7.8 cm,
Object size: 24.0 x 8.3 x 8.3 cm
Object size: 24.0 x 8.3 x 8.3 cm
Accession No.
2024-00974
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Seah Ching Ching and Seah Yong Koon, family of the late Mdm Kong Lim Mei
This flask was used by the donor’s mother to hold drinks such as longan red date ginger tea during her maternity.The vacuum flask, also known as a thermos, is used to insulate liquids. Initially invented by British scientist James Dewar in 1892 to keep substances at extremely cold temperatures vacuum flasks became widely available around the world by the 1920s and were used for various domestic and industrial purposes. In time, the use of glass was replaced by more durable materials such as stainless steel or plastic, making thermos bottles stronger and more suitable for outdoor activities such as picnics. Additionally, features such as screw caps and pouring spouts were introduced for convenience.
