This courtly powder flask (Dutch or northwest German), around 1680, consists of the shell of a Greek tortoise (Testudo hermanni), the frame made of fire-gilt brass with engravings, open areas of the shell were sealed with leather, Length (with the original leather strap) 23 cm. Such items made from exotic natural materials were viewed less as hunting utensils than as art chamber objects. Art chambers were considered places of wonder. Purchased at the “Kunstkammer Georg Laue” (Munich, since 2014 also in London). There are comparable pieces large museums such as Paris, London and Munich (Bavarian National Museum), see also Chambers of Wonder. [hint: this is an automatic translation from German]   |   Category: Kultgegenstände   |   Material: Schildpatt Präparate   |   Country of origin: Bavaria, Germany | Similar pieces