View full screen - View 1 of Lot 185. A rare and impressive Ottoman moulded leather powder flask, Turkey, 17th century.

A rare and impressive Ottoman moulded leather powder flask, Turkey, 17th century

Estimate

7,000 - 10,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

the wooden body of nautilus form entirely covered with monumental moulded palmettes, the reverse with minuscule geometric patterns and more traditional floral motifs, now mostly smoothed out, with ivory stopper and leather strap

27cm. max. diam.

This lot contains elephant ivory, which is an endangered species. Sotheby’s recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid, as lots containing endangered species may be subject to import restrictions in certain countries or necessitate licenses and certificates for export from some and import into others. The possession of an export license or certificate does not guarantee obtaining its counterpart elsewhere. Buyers must ascertain and adhere to all applicable regulatory requirements regarding the import and export of such items before bidding, securing all necessary licenses and certificates at their expense. The inability to export or import these items, or their seizure by a government agency, does not justify delaying payment or cancelling a sale.

Philippe Missillier Collection no.2C

Wooden powder horns decorated with moulded leather form part of the accoutrements captured in the aftermath of the Siege of Vienna in 1683 and preserved in European royal and princely collections. Large powder horns of this form may have been used for artillery rather than for personal firearms.


A comparable moulded leather powder horn, part of the ‘Turkish Booty’ taken at Vienna in 1683, is in the Historisches Museum der Stadt Wien, Vienna (inv. no.126.246; Vienna 1983, pp.206-7, no.16/123), dated to the second half of the seventeenth century. Two further powder horns of this form are in the National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, first recorded in 1689 (nos.Emb32 and Emb33; Dam-Mikkelsen and Lundbaek 1980, p.70).

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