Inscribed Pen Box

Unknown

made in early–late 14th century; altered shortly before mid-15th century · Brass; engraved and inlaid with silver, gold, and black compound · Islamic Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

made in early–late 14th century; altered shortly before mid-15th century

Medium

Brass; engraved and inlaid with silver, gold, and black compound

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891