Italy / c. 1560–1570
Powder Flask
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Powder Flask as arms and armor (Italy · c. 1560–1570).
This flask is an exceptionally fine example of Italy Renaissance tooled leatherwork known as cuir bouilli (molded and hardened leather).
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as leather (cuir bouilli) with embossed and fluted decoration; brass funnel.
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.