Gunpowder Bottle

74-24-26B

From: China

Curatorial Section: Asian

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Object Number 74-24-26B
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Chinese
Provenience China
Section Asian
Materials Burl Maple
Inscription Language Chinese Language
Description

Roughly heart-shaped bottle with cap. Made of burl maple. The bottle is handmade, althought the cap was probably turned on a lathe. There are two carved animal (?) heads at the top (each on one side) with holes through the mouths for holding the strap. There is a powder measure inside the lid. The measure was used with a .70 calibre gun- a type of gun used by the colonial militia prior to 1750. The powder measure has been stuffed with 4 wads of Chinese rice paper (one piece with Chinese characters) to shorten the measure so it is suitable for use in hunting small game.

Length 46 cm
Width 7.5 cm
Credit Line Gift of Anne Rowland, 1974

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