Powder Flask
18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This powder horn was used to contain gunpowder for a firearm. Despite the development of other mechanisms, the simplicity and robust nature of the matchlock led to its continued use in most parts of India and surrounding regions throughout the 19th century and in some cases into the early 20th century. With its hunting associations such essential equipment was considered appropriate for gifts and presentations and often highly decorated.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Rosewood, ivory, mother-of-pearl and buffalo horn, Carved and inlaid. |
| Brief description | A Rajput powder flask [barutdan], rosewood, ivory, mother-of-pearl, buffalo horn, inlaid, Kotah Rajasthan, 18th century. Made by a craftsman of the Khati caste and presented by H.M. Queen Mary |
| Physical description | Powder flask of carved rosewood in the form of a truncated horn or nautilus shell, decorated with inlaid ivory, mother-of-pearl and buffalo horn. There is a round and slightly domed cap that has a central, turned ivory disc that has a central hole and an ivory finial stopper. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Her Majesty the Queen, and accepted personally by Sir Cecil Smith at Buckingham Palace |
| Object history | Made by a craftsman of the Khati caste in the 18th century. It was presented by H.M. Queen Mary in 1912 and was valued at £10-0-0. |
| Summary | This powder horn was used to contain gunpowder for a firearm. Despite the development of other mechanisms, the simplicity and robust nature of the matchlock led to its continued use in most parts of India and surrounding regions throughout the 19th century and in some cases into the early 20th century. With its hunting associations such essential equipment was considered appropriate for gifts and presentations and often highly decorated. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IM.13-1912 |
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| Record created | June 25, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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