Title
Cockscomb flask
Year/Period
Liao dynasty (916-1125)
Region
China
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: H26.5 x L22 x W15
Accession No.
1993-00117
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of The Shaw Foundation
This green-glazed vessel also known as a cockscomb flask or pilgrim’s bottle was made in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cockscomb flasks are the most representative wares of the Liao dynasty, established by the Khitans. They were a pastoral and nomadic people who came to rule over parts of north China. Portable leather prototypes used as water and wine receptacles served as the basis for these ceramic flasks. The name for such flasks was derived from the earliest form of these vessels, which had a protrusion at the top resembling the crest on a rooster’s head. These ceramic flasks were prized objects that were buried with the deceased.
