An unusual and early gunpowder flask made from the shell of a coconut. Lacuered in black and engraved with fine designs picked out with white pigment infill. Decoration depicts panels with ships, trophies of arms and flowers amidst a background of foliage and decoration. Top section removeable, attached with finely linked chain and metal mounts, turned nozzle of nut-ivory. This piece is probably an example of sailors work, and shows Colonial Spanish influence in the decoration, suggesting an origin in the Caribbean, or perhaps Mexico/Latin America. It is clearly an old piece and probably dates to the early 18th century perhaps earlier. There are some old age cracks tothe body of the piece, but all sections are present. 8 inches approx. Latin America/Colonial Spain, 18th century. $595
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