17TH CENTURY EUROPEAN ENGRAVED BONE POWDER FLASK FROM

This flask measures about 12-3/4" in height. The bone spout measures about 2-5/8" in height and is engraved with acanthus leaf designs. On the piece of bone opposite the spout there is an iron ring, as well as another farther down the body for carrying strap attachment. The flask is profusely engraved with repeating bands of decoration, including bands of rope designs, geometric designs, and repeating acanthus leaf designs. In the center there is a section depicting a scene of gods and goddesses, as well as goats and a satyr. Below the main panel depicting Roman gods and goddesses, there are more bands of decoration en suite. There is a paper label on the wooden plug at the base of the horn reading "Gunpowder flasket once belonging to the Duke of Cesi and Aquasparta founder of the Accedemia dei Lincei (1606)". The Lincein Academy is an Italian Science school located in Rome, Italy. It was founded in 1603 by Federico Cesi. Galileo Galilei was the intellectual center of the academy and he completed much of his work at the academy. The academy closed in 1630 after the death of Cesi, its founder and patron, and entirely disappeared in 1651. CONDITION: There is a minor chip at the opening of the spout. The flask has an overall smooth, light honey patina with some darker areas. There is some deterioration and minor chipping around the base. Paper label shows some losses around edges but is completely legible. There is also another paper label underneath the one described. PROVENANCE: Ex. Norm Flayderman Collection. DMG Condition: Dimensions: Length: 12 - 3/4".