Germany / c. 1620–50
Powder Flask
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Powder Flask as arms and armor (Germany · c. 1620–50).
Powder flasks could take a variety of forms and the materials of construction varied greatly; many survive because of their allure as fine decorative objects.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as walnut inlaid with ivory decoration; turned steel funnel with spring cap.
The museum's collection notes: 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.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPowder FlaskOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.