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Inscribed Pen Box

made in early–late 14th century; altered shortly before mid-15th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 455
This brass pen box was made in the late fourteenth century but significantly altered by the mid-fifteenth century. The interior decoration of a small-scale pattern of roundels with flying birds and running motifs provides a glimpse into the original decoration of the box. After the exterior surface was burnished to remove this original decoration, new patterns, including a series of interlocking medallions and cartouches and incised lotus blossoms, were set against a cross-hatched background. The inkwell and surrounding insert were added at a yet later date. The inscriptions in thuluth and naskh scripts include poetic verses and good wishes to the owner.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Inscribed Pen Box
  • Date: made in early–late 14th century; altered shortly before mid-15th century
  • Geography: Probably originally from Northern Iraq or Western Iran. Attributed to Afghanistan, probably Herat
  • Medium: Brass; engraved and inlaid with silver, gold, and black compound
  • Dimensions: L. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm)
    H. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)
    W. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
  • Classification: Metal
  • Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
  • Object Number: 91.1.536
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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