Priming Flask

Unknown

second half 17th century · Ivory, iron, copper alloy · Arms and Armor

Zoomorphic priming flasks of carved ivory, such as these, were among the first Mughal decorative arts to reach Europe, with numerous examples listed in princely collections of art and natural history dating from 1650. These small containers held fine-grain gunpowder used to set off (or prime) the main charge in the barrel. The flasks are typically carved with fantastic animals that merge into one another. The observed naturalism is characteristic of Mughal art.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 17th century

Medium

Ivory, iron, copper alloy

Culture

Indian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935