Powder Flask

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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DescriptionThis finely carved flask used for containing gun powder while hunting, demonstrates the sophistication of artistic patronage under the Mughals (1526–1858). The priming powder was released through the mouth of the antelope when the brass spanner was pressed. A loop attached to the spanner allowed 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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