Powder Flask.Indian, Indonesian,Nepalese ???

drac2k · 6th July 2020, 05:15 PM

I have this interesting powder flask probably made from a Water Buffalo horn that I am uncertain of the origins. The writing on it would indicate where it came from, however, I am unable to identify it. It is huge; 19" long and 5.5" tall & 3.5" wide, so maybe it could be a water canteen.
Any help would be appreciated.

kwiatek · 6th July 2020, 06:40 PM

Can’t read it, but pretty sure the inscription is Tibetan

drac2k · 6th July 2020, 08:19 PM

Thanks, that helps in narrowing the search.

drac2k · 6th July 2020, 10:33 PM

That was a good lead; I found a similar one attributed to an Exhibit from the Peabody Museum.

kwiatek · 6th July 2020, 10:45 PM

I googled a bit as well and saw some similar pieces but nothing with an inscription like yours. Interesting! Now just to find someone who can read it ...

drac2k · 7th July 2020, 05:11 AM

I should have quit while I was ahead. The first reference I found on the internet stated that it was a Tibetan 19th Century powder flask on exhibit from The Peabody Museum, but I couldn't leave well enough alone. I next found 2 other references that stated that it was Tibetan and 19th century, but it was in fact a beer-drinking horn; Chhaang beer to be exact. These claims were made by "Hundred and One Antiques," and "Michael Backman ltd.," of London; based on what they were asking, maybe it is a drinking vessel, maybe what is written on the side is "Chhaang Beer, the King of Beers."

6th July 2020, 05:15 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,250	Powder Flask.Indian, Indonesian,Nepalese ??? I have this interesting powder flask probably made from a Water Buffalo horn that I am uncertain of the origins. The writing on it would indicate where it came from, however, I am unable to identify it. It is huge; 19" long and 5.5" tall & 3.5" wide, so maybe it could be a water canteen. Any help would be appreciated. Attached Images

6th July 2020, 10:33 PM	#4
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,250	That was a good lead; I found a similar one attributed to an Exhibit from the Peabody Museum. Attached Images

6th July 2020, 06:40 PM	#2
kwiatek Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 153	Can’t read it, but pretty sure the inscription is Tibetan

6th July 2020, 08:19 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,250	Thanks, that helps in narrowing the search.

6th July 2020, 10:45 PM	#5
kwiatek Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 153	I googled a bit as well and saw some similar pieces but nothing with an inscription like yours. Interesting! Now just to find someone who can read it ...

7th July 2020, 05:11 AM	#6
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,250	I should have quit while I was ahead. The first reference I found on the internet stated that it was a Tibetan 19th Century powder flask on exhibit from The Peabody Museum, but I couldn't leave well enough alone. I next found 2 other references that stated that it was Tibetan and 19th century, but it was in fact a beer-drinking horn; Chhaang beer to be exact. These claims were made by "Hundred and One Antiques," and "Michael Backman ltd.," of London; based on what they were asking, maybe it is a drinking vessel, maybe what is written on the side is "Chhaang Beer, the King of Beers."