17th-18th century
Before the invention of phosphorus matches in England in the 19th century, flint strikers were a necessary part of everyday life throughout the world. In Safavid Iran, they were made of steel in beautiful yet functional forms such as this one, with a graceful handle which fits the hand easily and the head of a dragon. Notes from the Glory and Prosperity exhibition, Feb - June 2002.
12 cm (4 3/4 in.)
Terracotta
GreekCarved rhinoceros horn with a metal blade
19th centuryChineseCopper alloy
1st-5th century CERoman?Silver
17th centuryBritishCopper alloy
2nd-5th century CERomanMetal
18th-19th centuryAmericanSilver
20th centuryAmericanStone
ChineseStone
3rd millennium BCEChineseTerracotta
Lydian