Object Description
Exceptionally detailed 19th century carved bone gunpowder flask
Italian, 19th Century
Height 36cm, diameter 11cm
This unconventional gunpowder flask, created in Italy in the 19th century, has been meticulously sculpted from a single mammalian femur bone, demonstrating the dexterity and imagination of its creator. The bone itself was chosen not only for its structural stability, but also for the evocative natural contours that lend an organic aesthetic to this functional object.
The exterior surface of the box has been transformed into a canvas by the skilled artisan. An array of intricate hunting scenes have been carved into the bone, capturing the timeless human connection to nature and the primal thrill of the chase. These scenes are punctuated by depictions of mythological narratives, including a creative tableau of two mythical female figures standing on chariot being drawn by geese.
These narrative scenes are artfully divided by beautifully rendered bands of acanthus leaf and wheat patterns along the base and the mid-section, as well as at the top. These motifs, common in classical and traditional art, represent the natural world and agricultural abundance, lending an extra layer of symbolism to the artifact.
The quality of the carving sets this piece apart and indicates that the flask could have been ordered by an aristocratic patron given the traditional use of flaks like these for hunting, a sport favoured by the Italian nobility of the period.
Facilitating its use in hunting, the flask is outfitted with two sturdy metal rings affixed to the side. These rings allow for secure attachment to a belt or satchel, emphasizing the flask’s functional design amidst its artistic detailing. The upper, narrower section of the box features a carefully drilled hole that serves as an access point for the powder contained within.
This bone gunpowder flask is more than a utilitarian object – it’s a marriage of art and function, storytelling, and design. It stands as an exquisite exemplification of craftsmanship and serves as a window into the traditions and lifestyle of the culture that birthed it.