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Lacquered Pen Box (Qalamdan)

late 17th–early 18th century
Not on view
The artist Manohar, who has signed his name next to the two lovers at the top of the lid, has adorned this box with a mix of images: the woman holding a tree is taken from ancient Indian sculpture, some figures have been borrowed from European pastoral scenes, and others are derived from Iranian miniatures.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Lacquered Pen Box (Qalamdan)
  • Maker: Manohar (active ca. 1582–1624)
  • Date: late 17th–early 18th century
  • Geography: Possibly made in Deccan or Northern India
  • Medium: Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and lacquered
  • Dimensions: H. 1 3/16 in. (3 cm)
    L. 9 1/8 in. (23.3 cm)
    D. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
  • Classification: Lacquer
  • Credit Line: Cynthia Hazen Polsky and Leon B. Polsky Fund, 2002
  • Object Number: 2002.416a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
"Black Buck", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Manohar, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Black Buck", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Painting attributed to Manohar
recto: ca. 1615–20; verso: ca. 1530–50
Pilgrim Flask, Brass; cast
Pilgrim Flask
early 17th century
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes, Sani' Humayun Iranian, Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Lacquer Pen Box with Royal Audience Scenes
Sani' Humayun
dated 1314 AH/1896–97 CE
Krishna and Radha with Their Confidantes: Page from a Dispersed Gita Govinda , Manohar, Ink and opaque watercolor on paper, India (Rajasthan, Mewar)

Krishna and Radha with Their Confidantes: Page from a Dispersed Gita Govinda

Style of Manohar
ca. 1655–60
Pen Box (Qalamdan) with Bird and Flower Design, Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and lacquered
Pen Box (Qalamdan) with Bird and Flower Design
1320 AH/1902 CE

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