Faïence pilgrim flask

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Faïence pilgrim flask

Description

A flask or bottle of a pilgrim, white-glazed, with four carrying handles and a narrow neck. This flask gets its shape from the gourds that pilgrims would have used to carry water on their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. We know that it is from the Santiago (St James’) route because it features scallop shells, the symbol of Saint James. Nevers is on the French section of the route. It is decorated in green, blue and yellow with a picture of a bishop, believed to be Eustache of Lys who became bishop of Nevers by Henry IV in the act of a blessing.

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