- FINE ART
-
FURNITURE + LIGHTING
Shop By Category
Shop By Artist
- NEW + CUSTOM
- DECORATIVE ARTS
-
JEWELRY
Shop By Category
Shop By Artist
- INTERIORS
- MAGAZINE
Offered by:
Mayfair Gallery
39 South Audley Street
London W1K 2PP , England
Call Seller
44.207.491.3435
Showrooms
Exceptionally detailed 19th century carved bone gunpowder flask
$ 9,000
-
Tear Sheet Print
- Save
- BoardAdd to Board
-
-
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. -
More Information
Origin: Italy Period: 19th Century Materials: Bone. Styles / Movements: Traditional Dealer Reference #: 4637 Incollect Reference #: 660756 -
Dimensions
H. 14.17 in; Diam. 4.33 in; H. 36 cm; Diam. 11 cm;
Message from Seller:
Mayfair Gallery, located in London’s exclusive Mayfair district, specializes in exceptional art and antiques from the 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring works by renowned artists and craftsmen. With a focus on quality and historical importance, our diverse collection unites exquisite pieces that exemplify unparalleled artistry. | jamie@mayfairgallery.com | 44.207.491.3435 |
Sign In To View Price
close
You must Sign In to your account to view the price. If you don’t have an account, please Create an Account below.
More Listings from Mayfair Gallery View all 1665 listings
No Listings to show.
- Antique French late 18th century gilt and patinated bronze mantel clock
- Antique Spanish oil painting of the Alcázar of Seville by Tomás Aceves
- 20th century Impressionist style painting of Le Havre by Binet
- Collection of semi-precious stones worry and prayer beads
- Very large antique ormolu and marble regulator calendar mantle clock
- Pair of framed Chinese watercolour pith paper paintings of dignitaries
- Antique French Orientalist oil painting of a street scene by Berchère
- Gilt bronze table lamp in the Rococo style
- Collection of cut and engraved glass decanters and dessert glasses
- Antique Louis XVI period marble and ormolu cercle tournant mantel clock
- Antique French sculpture of the Two Fates by Barbedienne
- Pair of antique Napoleon III style ebonised wood and pietra dura cabinets
- Antique Italian Orientalist oil painting of a mosque in Cairo by Lovatti
- Antique French Sevres style porcelain and gilt bronze mantel clock