9th Sep, 2026 11:00
Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection
33
◉ A VERY RARE MUGHAL IVORY PRIMING-FLASK, 17TH CENTURY
formed in two parts secured together by pins and carved respectively with a medial band of crenelations and ropework, the forward section forming the nozzle (minor chips, tap missing) and carved in low relief with a double-headed antelope beset by a tiger-head above and with a wolf-head between wild dog’s heads beneath, the rear section carved on both sides with a tiger attacking an antelope, the tapering terminal carved with an antelope leaping from the jaws of an elephant and a tiger, 14.5 cm long
Provenance
By repute the Honnens de Lichtenberg family
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 156C
This priming flask comes from a group, all in ivory, richly varied in decoration and size, with a spring mechanism for closing the pouring aperture (Clais 2021 outlines the group). These are characterised by a three-stage decorative programme, as here, with one end comprising multiple animal heads and having the pouring aperture, a centre section with animals carved in relief, often in combat, and the terminal with further animals sometimes terminating in a leaping antelope. The longest measure over 30 cms (Bargello, no. Bg M 1202; Clais 2021, p. 125, cat. no. 49, measures 32 cms), while this example is one of the shortest, being slightly smaller than a primer in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. CIRC.597-1923; Skelton et al 1982, p. 136, cat. no. 441; Clais 2021, p. 106, cat. no. 1, which is 16 cm long). Dating of the group to the 17th century is based on documentary evidence. A priming flask was recorded in the Bargello in Florence in 1679 (Bargello, no. Bg M 1202; Clais 2021, pp. 102 and 125, cat. no. 49). Another, now in the National Museum of Denmark, was first registered in the Royal inventories in 1690 (inv. no. EDb64; Dam-Mikkelsen and Lundbaek 1980, pp. 111-112; Clais 2021, pp. 103 and 114, cat. no. 12). Two flasks in Dresden first appear in an inventory of 1732, not in 1658 as claimed elsewhere (Clais 2021, p. 103: see Skelton et al 1982, p. 135, no. 439 for the earlier dating now dismissed by Clais). Another in the Danish Royal collection appears in an inventory of 1737 (inv. no. EDb62; Dam-Mikkelsen and Lundbaek 1980, pp. 111 and 112).
This lot is offered with UK Ivory Act 2018 certificate number 741BLYS3.
Sold for £8,000
formed in two parts secured together by pins and carved respectively with a medial band of crenelations and ropework, the forward section forming the nozzle (minor chips, tap missing) and carved in low relief with a double-headed antelope beset by a tiger-head above and with a wolf-head between wild dog’s heads beneath, the rear section carved on both sides with a tiger attacking an antelope, the tapering terminal carved with an antelope leaping from the jaws of an elephant and a tiger, 14.5 cm long
Provenance
By repute the Honnens de Lichtenberg family
Philippe Missillier Collection, no. 156C
Auction: Fine Antique Arms and Armour from the Philippe Missillier Collection, 9th Sep, 2026
Over a period of half a century, Philippe became one of the leading connoisseurs and independent scholars in the field of antique arms and armour from Europe, India and the Islamic world. Consulted by the world’s leading museums and collectors, Philippe possessed a remarkable eye for quality and rarity which is reflected in the objects offered in this sale.
His company was enjoyed at countless exhibitions and sales around the world, where he would greet colleagues with a hummed fanfare, invariably followed by a profound observation imbued with wit and scholarship in equal measure. Philippe belonged to a generation that truly mastered its subject, visiting every museum and attending as many auctions as he could while simultaneously assembling an important library.
A number of the pieces offered here were published in ‘Splendeur des Armes Orientales’, a landmark exhibition catalogue co-authored in collaboration with Howard Ricketts in 1988, and remains a standard reference today. Philippe wore his immense knowledge lightly, balancing academic rigour with good humour, listening generously to the opinions of colleagues, and invariably raising a smile.
Viewing
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 6th September June: 12pm - 4pm
Monday 7th September: 10am - 7pm (Drinks 6-7pm)
Tuesday 8th September: 10am - 5pm
CONTACT:
For further information please contact us | armsandarmour@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0) 20 7806 5541
