Powder flask c. 1590

round shape

natural stone pattern

3d sculpting

natural shape and form

sculpture

sculptural image

curved arc

stoneware

curved surface

round circular shape

armor

arm

This intricately carved ivory powder flask, dating back to the late 16th century, exemplifies the craftsmanship of an anonymous artist. The flask is adorned with detailed carvings of animals and floral motifs, possibly inspired by hunting scenes. The intricate details and the use of ivory showcase the artistic skills of the period, demonstrating a mastery of carving and decorative techniques. This flask would have been a functional object as well as a piece of art, serving as a reminder of the hunting culture and the decorative arts prevalent during the 16th century.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Ivory gunpowder flasks were popular luxury items in early modern South Asia (1400–1830). Meant to be used during hunting, a favorite pastime of the elite, these flasks were often carved with intertwining animals. Both ends terminate in leaping antelope heads, one showing a cheetah chasing a motley group of rabbits and antelopes (in some South Asian courts, cheetahs were raised in captivity and trained to hunt). The body of the flask depicts a cheetah and two hounds pursuing fish, birds, dogs, deer, and rabbits, with small touches of paint highlighting the animals’ eyes. Composite animals and scenes of predators pursuing prey were common subjects in painting, textiles, and decorative arts of the time.