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

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late 16th century

Punch Dagger (Katar) with Sheath, Steel, iron, silver, gold, rubies, Indian, Mughal — Punch Dagger (Katar) with Sheath
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late 17th–18th 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

Fragment of Turban Cloth, Silk on cotton; embroidered — Fragment of Turban Cloth
18th–19th century

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