This beautiful tinder pouch ensemble is special because of the presence of the original woven silver chain and attached floral plaque which has been carved from a translucent, nephrite-like material.
The pouch is of leather with a steel striker and decorated chased silver mounts. The silver decoration is to both sides of the pouch.
The top of the pouch has a prominent, engraved silver loop to which the woven silver chain is attached.
The floral stone plaque is decorated on one side with petals. It is plain on the reverse. A small floral silver plaque is attached to its centre.
According to Borel (1994, p. 170), Himalayan men would wear an icag on their belts as a sign of prestige. It contained a flint and some tinder to start a fire. The flint was for striking against the iron striker.
References
Berger, P., & T. Tse Bartholomew, Mongolia: The Legacy of Chinggis Khan, Thames & Hudson, 1995.
Borel, F., The Splendour of Ethnic Jewelry: From the Colette and Jean-Pierre Ghysels Collection, Thames & Hudson, 1994.
Tsultem, N., Mongolian Arts and Crafts, State Publishing House, Ulan-Bator, 1987.