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Pen Box

late 13th–early 14th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 455
The lavish miniaturelike overall decoration of this writing case makes it one of the most outstanding objects of its kind. The motifs find parallels in the southwestern Iranian region rather than in Mamluk Syria. The eulogic inscriptions, however, are typically Mamluk, suggesting Syrian production.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pen Box
  • Date: late 13th–early 14th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, possibly Tabriz
  • Medium: Brass; inlaid with silver and gold
  • Dimensions: H. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm)
    W. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
    L. 11 1/8 in. (28.3 cm)
  • Classification: Metal
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.822
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
Princely Couple, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Princely Couple
1400–1405
Inscribed Pen Box, Brass; engraved and inlaid with silver, gold, and black compound
Inscribed Pen Box
made in early–late 14th century; altered shortly before mid-15th century
"Jonah and the Whale", Folio Probably from a Jami al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Chronicles), Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
"Jonah and the Whale", Folio Probably from a Jami al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Chronicles)
ca. 1400
Luster Bowl with Winged Horse, Stonepaste; luster-painted on opaque monochrome glaze
Luster Bowl with Winged Horse
late 12th century
Pen Box (Qalamdan), Pasteboard, painted with opaque watercolor and gold leaf under lacquer, gilt, brass
Pen Box (Qalamdan)
late 19th century

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