A fabulous piece of Spanish folk art from the late 18th century c 1784. Made of bovine horn and engraved with beautiful naive animals, it is inscribed 'Soy de Antonyo Herreros Reyero' and 'Abryl 25 Del 84'. Probably by a Spanish sailor on a trading vessel to the far-east.
Details
A powder flask is a small container for gunpowder, which was an essential part of shooting equipment with muzzle-loading guns, before pre-made paper cartridges became the norm in the 19th century. The majority of flasks were standard in form, mainly for the military, but became more decorative for personal and sporting use.
This horn flask is highly ornate with multiple animals both real and mythical carved to the exterior. The fauna is represented by a lion, a bull and a camel whilst multiple birds such as a bird of paradise, a peacock and a pelican can also be found. The piece itself was carved by a man called Antonyo Herreros Reyero which translates as Antonyo, blacksmith to the king.
Please note: Price does NOT include delivery costs.
