Dachibin flask, Okinawa, Japan

Japanese hip flask, (dachibin). I believe it’s from the Tsuboya kiln in Okinawa

I have never knowingly seen one before. Do you know anything of the form's history?

The form was developed for Okinawan farmers working in the rice paddies as it fits on the hip, with a leather shoulder strap tied to the lugs. Later sold filled with Awamori (rice sake). Commonly found with the fish design typical of Ryukyu and Yomitan Pottery.

Hi ,I am curious to know how far back in history these Sake /water flasks go in Japan as most seen are 19th century and later mostly decorative items probably for export, they are obviously the equivalent of the European costrel or pilgrim flask and similar appear in earlier cultures although the shape of the Japanese examples seem 'unique to them. I wonder do they appear in other rice growing Asian countries ?.