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.)
Mixed copper alloy
7th-12th centuryIslamicBronze
1st-2nd millennium CERomanCopper alloy
1st-4th century CERomanBronze
5th century BCEGreekCopper alloy
1st-4th century CERomanSilver
18th centuryAmericanBronze
1st-2nd millennium CERomanSilver
18th centuryBritishCast bronze
1st-3rd century CEChineseCopper alloy
1st-5th century CERomanBone
4th-5th century CERoman