Unknown Indian
Powder Flask

Public Domain

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Images(3)

Artist Unknown Indian

CultureIndian

Titles

Powder Flask

Date17th century

MediumIvory, brass, and amber

Dimensions3 3/8 × 9 5/16 × 1 1/4 in. (8.6 × 23.7 × 3.2 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by the Friends of Art of the Islamic Worlds

Object number2009.1357

Current Location

The Caroline Wiess Law Building

113 Islamic Art Gallery

On view

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Department

Art of the Islamic Worlds

Object Type

WEAPONS & ARMAMENTS

DescriptionThis fine powder flask, carved in high and low relief with animals and hunting motifs, bears witness to the sophistication of the artistic patronage of the Mughal dynasty (1526–1858). In spite of its delicacy and fragile medium, this flask was, in fact, used as a container for gunpowder and was meant to be used during hunting, a favorite pastime of Mughal rulers. The priming powder was released through the mouth of the antelope at one of the flask's ends when the brass spanner was pressed. A loop attached to the spanner enabled the hunter to fasten the flask to his belt.

ProvenancePrivate collection, Europe; [Simon Ray Limited, London, 2009]; purchased by MFAH, 2009.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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