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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
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The Virgin and Child Attended by Angels, Manohar, Brown and blue ink with gold on paper, Islamic
The Virgin and Child Attended by Angels
Manohar
ca 1600
"Portrait of Zamana Beg, Mahabat Khan", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Manohar, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Portrait of Zamana Beg, Mahabat Khan", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Manohar
Mir 'Ali Haravi
recto: ca. 1610; verso: ca. 1530–40
recto: "Portrait of Prince Danyal", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Manohar, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
recto: "Portrait of Prince Danyal", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Manohar
Sultan 'Ali al-Mashhadi
recto: late 16th century; verso: ca. 1500
"Jahangir and His Vizier, I'timad al-Daula", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Manohar, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Jahangir and His Vizier, I'timad al-Daula", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Manohar
Mir 'Ali Haravi
recto: ca. 1615; verso: ca. 1530–45
"Jahangir and His Vizier, I'timad al-Daula", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Manohar, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Jahangir and His Vizier, I'timad al-Daula", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Manohar
Mir 'Ali Haravi
recto: ca. 1615; verso: ca. 1530–45

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