Powder flask - Lot 385

Powder flask Cucurbit with engraved decoration Turkey, 19th century, Ottoman Empire (dated 1258 AH - 1842 AD) H. 13.5 cm This engraved cucurbit features finely engraved rosette and architectural motifs, flowers and a ewer, as well as a calligraphic cartouche and a date. The upper register features religious architecture. The underside features a six-pointed star framed by crescents. Objects derived directly from nature like this gourd have never ceased to fascinate, particularly in the context of European curiosity cabinets. The collections of the Karlsruhe Museum in the Türkische Kammer preserve a gourd of similar shape and dimensions, dating from the 17th century (inv D 234), as well as a second one covered with leather from the same period (Inv. D235).