Powder Flask

Unknown

17th century · Horn, lacquer, ivory, bone, gold, silver, copper alloy, iron, pigment · Arms and Armor

Designed to hold gunpowder, this flask, shaped like a nautilus shell, is made of wood, covered with a marbled pattern of blue and black lacquer, and bordered by delicate floral designs in gold. The skill and sophistication of the decoration place this work among the most beautiful objects of its kind from Mughal India.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Horn, lacquer, ivory, bone, gold, silver, copper alloy, iron, pigment

Culture

Indian, possibly Deccan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2009