Fine, Tibetan Tinder Pouch & Striker (Icag) with Silver-Gilt Mounts

This beautiful tinder pouch and striker comprises a pouch of green leather with an iron striker.

It is decorated with chased and engraved silver and gilded silver plaques on the front – these are delicately worked in high relief with a pair of Himalayan lions and a ball, all amid pierced scrollwork.

The top of the ensemble has a rectangular suspension loop decorated on each side with a stylised phoenix motif.

The reverse is plain.

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.

This is an excellent example, in fine condition and with very obvious age. The theme is unusual as is the fineness of the chasing. The motifs show clear Chinese influence.