Tibetan Flint Striker

c. 1850
$1,880 USD SOLD
Dimensions
W: 4.0" D: 2.5" H: 14.25"
Materials
Stone
Silver
Brass
Leather
Collection #
CFC217
Estimated Shipping
$75

In 19th-century Tibet, many men carried a fire striker to help ensure survival in the often-harsh climate of the Tibetan Plateau. Known as mechag, such strikers would hang from one's belt and doubled as a small pouch for flint and tinder. The finest strikers were finished with precious metals and decorated with repoussé and inlaid stones.

This leather flint pouch is beautifully decorated with low relief metalwork, cast in a pattern of trailing vines and delicate flowers. The flap is studded with large beads of turquoise and red coral, framed by gold-plated chrysanthemum petals. A leather strap hangs from each end, both well worn from years of use. Elevated by a custom steel mount, this elegant striker lives on as a sculptural object with storied history.

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Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

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