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Actions Displays	Flask Remove from selection Add to selection Reproduction Download mediaDownload as zip file Object number06196 TitleFlask CreatorChimu DescriptionThis earthenware flask is a wonderful example of pottery from the north coast of present-day Peru. It was made sometime between 1100-1400 by the Chimú, one of a series of sophisticated civilisations that flourished in South America, who were ultimately defeated and absorbed by the Incas during the mid-15th century. Chimú pottery is very distinctive, with its charcoal black colour and polished, smooth surface. The colour is thought to have been made by limiting the oxygen supply during firing. The smoke and soot darkened the pottery, which was burnished to a shine once it had cooled. Chimú pottery was usually mass-produced using moulds and is quite sculptural – almost modern-looking – in shape and regularity. Pottery vessels were an everyday essential, used for cooking, storing food and carrying water. Easily broken, it meant that local potters were always busy. Styles evolved through function, decorations were influenced by traditions and symbolism. For the Chimú, inspiration often came from the world around them: birds, animals, plants and human figures feature on their pottery. This flask’s smooth, spherical body is interrupted by four panels covered in a dotted, stippled effect. Inside each of these panels stands a man wearing some form of headdress. With their arms outstretched, they almost look like they could be reaching out to join hands. Production placeSouth America, Peru, North Coast, Production date 1100 - 1400 Object nameFlask Domestic MaterialEarthenware Dimensions whole Height: 170 mm body Diameter: 135 mm

Reproduction

Download mediaDownload as zip file

Object number06196

TitleFlask

DescriptionThis earthenware flask is a wonderful example of pottery from the north coast of present-day Peru. It was made sometime between 1100-1400 by the Chimú, one of a series of sophisticated civilisations that flourished in South America, who were ultimately defeated and absorbed by the Incas during the mid-15th century. Chimú pottery is very distinctive, with its charcoal black colour and polished, smooth surface. The colour is thought to have been made by limiting the oxygen supply during firing. The smoke and soot darkened the pottery, which was burnished to a shine once it had cooled. Chimú pottery was usually mass-produced using moulds and is quite sculptural – almost modern-looking – in shape and regularity. Pottery vessels were an everyday essential, used for cooking, storing food and carrying water. Easily broken, it meant that local potters were always busy. Styles evolved through function, decorations were influenced by traditions and symbolism. For the Chimú, inspiration often came from the world around them: birds, animals, plants and human figures feature on their pottery. This flask’s smooth, spherical body is interrupted by four panels covered in a dotted, stippled effect. Inside each of these panels stands a man wearing some form of headdress. With their arms outstretched, they almost look like they could be reaching out to join hands.

Production placeSouth America, Peru, North Coast,

Production date 1100 - 1400

Object nameFlask

Domestic

MaterialEarthenware

Dimensions

whole Height: 170 mm
body Diameter: 135 mm