Powder Flask, Nuremberg-Germany, circa 1610

Powder Flask or gunpowder flask, made in Germany probably in Nuremberg around 1610.

Circular in shape obtained from a single piece of fruit wood partially hollowed out inside, in the center there are two large ivory medallions, set and admirably engraved with a scene on the front representing the mythical character Orpheus who, with the enchanting power with his lyre and his song, he appeased the wild beasts and animated the rocks and the elements of nature; on the back a rural landscape in which we can observe in the distance on the banks of a lake, a village in which the bell tower of a church stands out; while in the foreground a man on horseback and two others on the ground are intent on hunting game with the help of a dog.

Both convex edges are completely elaborated with very fine bone inlay with carved and engraved floral motifs, spirals and spheres; the mounts with the truncated cone spout and the suspension rings are in engraved brass.

Note the small fossil amber gem set just below the hilt, probably determining the "front" part of the flask even if the "back" is magnificently identical to the front.

These small flasks contained fine-grained gunpowder used to prime (or prime) the main charge in the barrel.

Like the pistols and rifles that accompanied them, the Flasks decorated with inlays and engravings were very expensive objects and reflected the status of the owners who kept them both for use and for display. Daggers, firearms, gunpowder flasks were worn with the most expensive clothes and projected an image of the fashionable man-at-arms. The most finely crafted objects were worn as work jewelry.

Beautiful flask of a very rare type, in excellent condition.