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.)
Metal
14th-15th centuryIslamicBrass
20th centuryAmericanLead
2nd-1st century BCEGreekCopper alloy
4th-6th centuryRomanTerracotta
Carved wood
19th centuryKoreanSilver
18th centuryAmericanWood
CopticBronze
1st millennium BCE-1st millenium CERomanLeaded bronze
1st-4th century CERomanBronze
1st-2nd millennium CERomanSilver
18th centuryBritish