c. 1560–1570
Leather (cuir bouilli) with embossed and fluted decoration; brass funnel
Support: (cuir bouilli) with embossed and fluted decoration
Overall: 17.2 x 11.9 cm (6 3/4 x 4 11/16 in.)
Weight: 240 g (8.47 oz.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1918.65
This flask is an exceptionally fine example of Italy Renaissance tooled leatherwork known as cuir bouilli (molded and hardened leather).
Powder flasks are small, portable containers designed to hold gunpowder. From the 1400s to the 1800s, powder flasks were indispensable for charging and priming firearms of all types. Without powder flasks firearms were of little use to their owners. Many highly decorated flasks rank as works of art.
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