Pen Box attributed to Muhammad ibn Muhammad Mahdi

early 19th century

Not on view

The marbled floral and leaf-like designs on this penbox distinguish it from other lacquerwork of the period which is largely figural. The floral medallions and leafy motifs are punctured with gold markings suggesting that the design was pounced onto the surface of this object. Like other works by Muhammad ibn Muhammad Mahdi, this penbox demonstrates a striking affinity with the art of manuscript illumination and book-binding. The shimmering effect of the surfaces was likely achieved through the use of mica.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Pen Box attributed to Muhammad ibn Muhammad Mahdi
Artist: Muhammad ibn Muhammad Mahdi
Date: early 19th century
Geography: Made in Iran
Medium: Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and varnished
Dimensions: H. 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm.)
W. 1 9/16 in. (4 cm.)
L. 8 11/16 in. (22 cm.)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of The Rahnema Collection, 2023
Object Number: 2023.570
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

By Muhammad ibn Muhammad Mahdi

In the same medium

From the same time and place

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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
early 19th century

Pen Box and Glass Case, Fathallah Shirazi Iranian, Lacquer — Pen Box and Glass Case
Fathallah Shirazi
mid-19th century

Portrait of Prince Nasir al-Din Mirza, Aqa Buzurg Shirazi Iranian, Watercolor on paper — Portrait of Prince Nasir al-Din Mirza
Aqa Buzurg Shirazi
1840's

Nasir Al-Din Shah Qajar (r. 1848–1896) with a Cannon, Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper — Nasir Al-Din Shah Qajar (r. 1848–1896) with a Cannon
ca. 1850

Mirror Case Depicting the Meeting of Nasir al-Din Mirza and Tsar Nicholas I in Erivan and Satin Pouch, Muhammad Isma'il Isfahani Iranian, a) Pasteboard, opaque color, watercolor, gold under a lacquer varnish<br/>b) Satin pouch with metal wrapped embroidery — Mirror Case Depicting the Meeting of Nasir al-Din Mirza and Tsar Nicholas I in Erivan and Satin Pouch
Muhammad Isma'il Isfahani
dated 1271 AH/1854 CE

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