Pen Box (Qalamdan)

early 19th century

Not on view

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Iran witnessed a proliferation in the production of lacquer objects. Regarded as desirable possessions and status symbols, painted lacquerwares were commissioned by royal and elite patrons, sold commercially and exported abroad in quantity. Lacquer painters took great pride in their individual styles, which they demonstrated by signing and dating their works.

This box is ornamented with the gul-u-bulbul (bird-and-flower) design, wherein birds sit on branches among foliage and flowering fruits. This was a popular motif that covered a wide array of lacquer objects including pen boxes, mirror cases, and book covers.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Pen Box (Qalamdan)
Date: early 19th century
Geography: Made in Iran
Medium: Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and lacquered
Dimensions: H. 1 3/4 in..
W. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
L. 9.3/16 in. (23.3 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1967
Object Number: 67.206.3a, b
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Pen Box (Qalamdan) Depicting Shah Isma'il in a Battle against the Uzbeks, Papier-maché; painted and lacquered — Pen Box (Qalamdan) Depicting Shah Isma'il in a Battle against the Uzbeks
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