A rare gold and silver decorated Indo-Persian steel pen case (Qalamdan), 19th century
This steel box has a rectangular case with a coffered lid.
The interior of the box is divided into three compartments to hold reed pens, the inkwell, and a sand pot.
A lock with key on the front.
Extraordinary detailed and dense silver decoration and fine gold painting for some motifs and for the Persian Nastaliq inscription contained in a cartouche on the lid.
This inscription from a Persian poem can be read as:
“In Qalamdan pasande Shahan ast
Ke ba naqsho negare Bostan ast.”
Translation:
This pencil case (Qalamdan) is to the taste of kings. Because it is (decorated) with motifs of the gardens (Bostan)*.
*Bostan: A garden filled with scented flowers and fruits.
condition: signs of age and wear as expected, decoration partly rubbed, pens, inkwell, and sand pot missing, overall good condition
Please see: https://www.opiumgewichte.com/index_gems.htm
Galerie Michael Herrfurth
Asian Art.