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Priming flask, 17th - 18th century (ivory)
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Priming flask, 17th - 18th century (ivory)
5942468 Priming flask, 17th - 18th century (ivory) by Mughal School; Manchester Art Gallery, UK; (add.info.: A Mughal-period ivory priming flask used to hold fine gunpowder for the matchlock guns used in hunting. The body of the flask is carved in relief with figures of common animals of the chase: an antelope and a tiger in profile within a leafy setting on each side. At the rear end, the head and torso of a gazelle emerge from the mouth of a lion or tiger (above) and an elephant (below). At the front end, the head of a ram emerges from the mouth of a makara, a mythical beast from Hindu mythology. Traces of red paint are visible in some areas indicating the flask would have been brightly decorated at one point. A hinged stopper of gilded metal would originally have covered the hole at the end of the ram's mouth, and a small metal suspension loop would have projected from the main body of the primer.); © Manchester Art Gallery
Media ID 32118566
© Manchester Art Gallery / Bridgeman Images
Container Curved Finial Finials Flask Gunpowder Heads Matchlock Moghul Moghul Dynasty Moghul Empire Mogul Mughal Mughal Dynasty Mughal Empire Mughals Powder Horn Reliefs Tiger Wild Wild Animal Wild Animals Wilds Zoomorphic Accessory
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This print showcases a remarkable priming flask from the 17th to 18th century, created by the Mughal School and currently housed in the Manchester Art Gallery in the UK. Crafted from ivory, this exquisite flask was specifically designed to hold fine gunpowder for matchlock guns used during hunting expeditions. The body of the flask is adorned with intricate relief carvings depicting various animals commonly encountered during hunts. On each side, one can marvel at a beautifully rendered antelope and tiger set within a leafy backdrop. At the rear end of the flask emerges the head and torso of a gazelle emerging from either a lion or tiger's mouth above, and an elephant below. The front end features an intricately carved ram's head emerging from a makara - a mythical creature derived from Hindu mythology. Traces of red paint are still visible on certain areas of this once brightly decorated piece, adding further allure to its ornate design. Originally equipped with a hinged stopper made of gilded metal covering the ram's mouth opening, this priming flask also featured a small metal suspension loop projecting from its main body. With its zoomorphic motifs and meticulous craftsmanship, this priming flask serves as both an accessory for hunting purposes and as an object de vertu representing Islamic Indian artistry during the Mughal Empire. Its presence evokes admiration for India's rich cultural heritage while highlighting its connection to wildlife and traditional hunting practices.
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