A very fine and unusually decorative Indian gunpowder flask, known as a barutdan, probably dating to the mid-19th century. Powder flasks of this type were used for carrying gunpowder and often served not only a practical function but also as finely decorated personal accessories connected with arms and hunting culture.

The body is crafted of wood and richly inlaid with numerous sculpted mother-of-pearl and white material elements, creating an intricate and visually striking surface. The dense decorative pattern gives the object a strong ornamental character and reflects the refined taste associated with Indian arms accessories of the period.

The flask is fitted with two wrought-iron eyelets and suspension rings for carrying. The spout is mounted with a threaded brass fitting and secured by a finely carved white material stopper.

One side, lacking the original mother-of-pearl inlay, shows a substantial historical repair, with later-added white material inserts and red putty visible along the edges. This repair forms part of the object’s history and is clearly visible in the photographs.

Provenance:
Estate Collection of Dr. Curtis S. Morse.

Origin:
India.

Period:
Probably mid-19th century.

Type:
Barutdan / gunpowder flask.

Material:
Wood, mother-of-pearl, white material, wrought iron, brass.

Technique:
Carving, inlay, metal mounting.

Decoration:
Rich mother-of-pearl and white material inlay with sculpted decorative elements.

Dimensions:
22 × 18 × 9.5 cm.

Weight:
Not provided.

Condition:
Very good overall condition. One side has a substantial historical repair, with later-added white material inserts and red putty visible along the edges. The condition is shown in the photographs.

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