Powder Flask
ca. 1660 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Powder flasks were either made of hollowed-out cattle horns or wood such burr maple or boxwood, as in this case, and their purpose was to protect gun powder from water or fire. It formerly belonged to Ralph Bernal (1784 - 1854), a barrister who became an M.P. on inheriting a large property in the West Indies and took an active interest in the arts and newly formed museums. A large number of items from his collections were acquired by this museum a year after his death.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Moulded metal work, carved boxwood |
| Brief description | Boxwood cylindrical powder flask, one side carved with a lion hunt, the other with a large rosette. English, ca. 1660. |
| Physical description | Carved circular boxwood powder flask with moulded metal spout and spring catch |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Unique |
| Object history | This object formed part of the collections of Ralph Bernal M.P. (1784 - 1854), which were sold by Christie, Mason and Woods in 1855 and bought by the South Kensington Musem for £12 - 10 s. |
| Production | This object was described as "17th century" when acquired, and the tudor rose indicates English workmanship. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Association | |
| Summary | Powder flasks were either made of hollowed-out cattle horns or wood such burr maple or boxwood, as in this case, and their purpose was to protect gun powder from water or fire. It formerly belonged to Ralph Bernal (1784 - 1854), a barrister who became an M.P. on inheriting a large property in the West Indies and took an active interest in the arts and newly formed museums. A large number of items from his collections were acquired by this museum a year after his death. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 2219-1855 |
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| Record created | November 8, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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