70 - Powder flask with dragons and lidded vase in relief, brass, leather strap, probably Tibet or Nepal

Powder flask with dragons and lidded vase in relief, brass, leather strap, probably Tibet or Nepal Brass and leather, powder flask, probably Tibet or Nepal, round flat body with silver-coloured side walls, bossed, relief-decorated front plate, at the neck a head with headdress between two dragons with open mouths and scrolling tails, in the framed central medallion a vase with umbrella-shaped lid on a stepped base, surrounded by scrollwork, outer border of scrolling foliage, below a cartouche with floral motif and shaped terminal, at the sides one leaf-shaped and one cross-shaped engraved decorative plate, spout with stopper with engraved cover plate on a silver-coloured link chain, long leather carrying strap attached with copper wire, 17x12x7.5 cm (HxWxD). The powder flask was part of the equipment of the marksman with a muzzle-loading gun: it held the black powder that was filled into the barrel before the projectile as the propellant charge. The central motif probably corresponds to the treasure vase, the bumpa, which in Tibetan Buddhism stands for health, longevity, prosperity and abundance. It is one of the Ashtamangala, the eight auspicious symbols, whose name comes from Sanskrit and is composed of “ashta” for eight and “mangala” for luck or blessing. Besides the treasure vase, the conch shell, endless knot, pair of golden fish, lotus flower, parasol, wheel of the law and victory banner belong to this group. Originally the symbols were used in India at ceremonies such as the coronation of a king.