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.)
Silver
18th centuryBritishIron mounted on wooden plaque
17th-18th centuryPersianStone
3rd millennium BCEChineseCopper alloy
1st-5th century CERomanLeaded bronze
Unidentified centuryUnidentified cultureBronze (probably cast)
10th-14th centuryKoreanCopper alloy
1st-4th century CERomanBronze
1st-2nd millennium CERomanMetal
Terracotta
6th century BCEEtruscanCopper
8th century BCEGreekStone