A SPLENDID LARGE INDIAN MOTHER-OF-PEARL COVERED BUFFALO HORN(?) AND IVORY POWDER-FLASK

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North-West India or Gujarat, 18th century

Curl-shaped, covered with mother-of-pearl in a fish-scale pattern, fixed with silver pins, ending in an ivory tiger head with glass(?) eyes, with lid with floral finial.

H. 23 x W. 18 cm

Note:

As the Indian (Mogul) aristocracies frequently indulged in the pleasure of the hunt, it may be of no surprise that numerous powder flasks were made in different materials, for instance, carved ivory, nautilus shells and a range of horns sometimes covered with mother of pearl as the present one. Many were more of a prestigious object for display than suitable for common use. The present one has little wear and tear and is perhaps a bit large to be practical.