Lacquered Pen Box (Qalamdan)

Manohar

late 17th–early 18th century · Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and lacquered · Islamic Art

The artist Manohar, who has signed his name next to the two lovers at the top of the lid, has adorned this box with a mix of images: the woman holding a tree is taken from ancient Indian sculpture, some figures have been borrowed from European pastoral scenes, and others are derived from Iranian miniatures.

Artist

Manohar

Date

late 17th–early 18th century

Medium

Papier-maché; painted, gilded, and lacquered

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Cynthia Hazen Polsky and Leon B. Polsky Fund, 2002