Description:

Lot 161. A KHORASSAN SILVER-INLAID BRONZE PENCASE, NORTH-WEST IRAN, 13TH CENTURY

An exceptional Qalamdan (pencase) from Khorassan, crafted from bronze and richly inlaid with silver, showcasing the refined metalworking traditions of 13th-century Iran. The elongated, rounded form rests on small feet and is fitted with a hinged lid. The exterior is lavishly decorated with intricate bands of interlacing vegetal scrolls, kufic and naskh inscriptions, and roundels enclosing musicians and mythical creatures, all rendered in fine silver inlay against a dark patinated ground.

The lid interior bears a long inscription framed within circular medallions, praising a ruler and including the maker’s signature. The outer surface is filled with delicate arabesque tendrils and geometric interlace, the craftsmanship demonstrating the height of Khorassani artistry. The depiction of a seated musician playing a stringed instrument, enclosed by a dense tangle of vegetal scrollwork, exemplifies the synthesis of figural and calligraphic ornament characteristic of the Seljuk period.

This pen case stands as a masterwork of medieval Islamic metalwork — both functional and decorative — embodying the sophistication of Persian craftsmanship in the service of learning and culture.

Length: 34cm

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

November 4, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 31% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000