Square shape slender flasks were produced by the Japanese from the late seventeenth century onwards, the form soon being copied and adapted by the Chinese. Decorative in themselves, these vessels were originally intended to hold gin. Later, smaller versions were produced and became known as ‘Tokuri’ (sometimes spelt ‘Tokkuri’) with the function now to act as dispensers for sake. This pair of flasks follow, then, a long tradition. Paste of the foot and the style of decoration suggests a C20th dating, perhaps to the 1950s/1960s but the quality of the work is obvious and they make a striking and unusual decorative ensemble.