Primer

18th century

Not on view

A priming flask is used to hold and pour fine gun powder into the priming pan of a matchlock gun. They are produced from a range of materials, as seen here, including metal, horn, and ivory. Their decoration also varied and often showcased artistic ingenuity. This flask features the head of the makara, a crocodile-like creature of Hindu mythology. The makara design could be a reflection of its use in hunting crocodile, a popular pastime for the royal courts of Rajasthan.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Primer
Date: 18th century
Geography: Rajasthan
Culture: Indian, Rajasthan
Medium: Brass
Dimensions: L. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); D. 1 in. (2.5 cm); Wt. 7.5 oz. (212.6 g)
Classification: Firearms Accessories-Flasks & Primers
Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Object Number: 36.25.2375
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

In the same medium

From the same time and place

Primer, Horn, ivory, Indian, Rajasthan — Primer
Indian, Rajasthan
18th century

Powder Flask and Wheellock Spanner Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony, Brass, gold, steel, wood, velvet, gold-threaded cord, German, Saxony — Powder Flask and Wheellock Spanner Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony
German, Saxony
ca. 1600

Matchlock Gun, Steel, iron, wood, ivory, gold, silver, copper alloy, pigment, Indian, Rajasthan, possibly Gwalior — Matchlock Gun
Indian, Rajasthan, possibly Gwalior
late 18th–19th century

Powder Flask with Bullet Box, Clock, Compass, and Sundial, Brass, gold, steel, glass, German, Augsburg or Nuremberg — Powder Flask with Bullet Box, Clock, Compass, and Sundial
German, Augsburg or Nuremberg
ca. 1570–1600

Matchlock Gun, Steel, wood, gold, silver, pigment, Indian, Rajasthan or Lahore — Matchlock Gun
Indian, Rajasthan or Lahore
late 18th–early 19th century

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