POWDER FLASK Russian, dated 1693. Ivory (walrus), elaborately carved and engraved. Spout area designed as the head of a monster, stopper with spherical handle. One side with a sculpted reclining lion. The front with round, carved medallions: 1. Adam and Eve in Paradise, Tree with Snake. 2. Eagle sitting on a rock with spread wings. The back with engraved medallions: 1. Hunter on horseback with falcon and date 1693, 2. Unicorn, Russian inscription. Three ribbons with Russian inscription. The entire surface is decorated with engraved leaves, flowers and tendrils. The powder flask base, with a carved leaf rosette, opening for the screw cap, screw head designed as the crowned head of a man. L 18.5 cm. An exceptionally-rare Russian work, probably intended for a cabinet of curiosities ("Kunstkammer"). Cf. Rudolf Berliner: Die Bildwerke des bayerischen Nationalmuseums, IV. Abteilung, Die Bildwerke in Elfenbein, Knochen, Hirsch- und Steinbockhorn..., 1926, Nr. 678, Pulverhorn. Irina Ukhanova: The State Hermitage Museum, North-Russian Bone-Carving Ivory 17th-19th Centuries, St. Petersburg 2005, No. 32, dated 1719, No. 33. Provenance: - Auction Fischer, Lucerne, 22/24 June 2000, Lot No. 821. * The full tax is charged on this item marked * in the auction catalogue, i.e. VAT is charged on the sum of the bid price plus the surcharge for those items. The VAT will be refunded to Purchasers providing a validly stamped export declaration.