Description:

Central Asia, India, Mughal, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE. A gorgeous and sizable gunpowder flask formed from a hollowed-out nautilus shell. The spiraled body has a tight coil in the center and a wide mouth which houses a tall decorative shoulder. Intricately-carved frames of mother-of-pearl are applied around the upper cylindrical portion, with slender strips of mother-of-pearl both above and below, and an eight-pointed star motif on top. A gilt-iron spout caps the top of the flask and features a spring-loaded trigger for dispensing the powder within. The nacre panels emit a fabulous iridescence which is a preeminent characteristic of this flask style. Known as a "barutdan," this is certainly a beautiful means of keeping one's gunpowder dry! Size: 5.625" W x 6.2" H (14.3 cm x 15.7 cm).

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection

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#146841

  • Condition: Repaired from multiple large pieces, with non-original nacre panels to fill some gaps, and small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Chipping to gilt areas of iron cap, wth abrasions to body, shoulder, and top, and a few stable hairline fissures. Light earthen deposits throughout, and nice oxidized patina to iron cap.

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May 7, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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