Lot 91
A PILGRIM'S 'ZAMZAM' WATER FLASK
INDIA, DECCAN, 19TH CENTURY
Auction: 09 December 2026 from 14:00 GMT
Description
bulbous metal body covered in red cloth, with ornate floral metal decoration in relief to the front and fabric strip around the centre, sloping shoulders, featuring four strap holders, taper up towards a protruding neckpiece with devanagari inscription to the front, a raised mouth piece with lid
Dimensions
26cm x 25cm
Provenance
Formerly in a private European collection; acquired by the present owner in Klaaswaal, the Netherlands.
Footnote
Throughout the muslim world, vessels such as these were specifically designed to store and transport zamzam water, that pilgrims brought back from Mecca as a sacred keepsake for their relatives and friends. For a very similar example, albeit attributed to Ottoman Turkey, 17th/ 18th century, see Sotheby's, Arts of the Islamic World and India including Fine Rugs and Carpets, 26 October 2022, lot 141. For another similar example, see the website of Michael Backman Ltd., London.