Pen Box

Crafted from brass and lavishly inlaid with gold and silver, this intricately decorated pen box exemplifies the meticulous artistry involved in beautifying the tools of traditional Islamic calligraphy. Because the written word is regarded as an extension of the word of God in Islamic belief, writing tools such as reed pens (qalam) and inkwells were often richly decorated with precious materials, signifying the deep spiritual significance attributed to writing. Master calligraphers even incorporated lessons on the preparation and maintenance of calligraphic tools into their apprenticeships as an integral part of students' instruction. Over time, these instruments transcended mere functionality to become treasured artworks, collected by elites and practitioners alike.

Dating to the late 13th or early 14th century, this pen box—used to store qalam of various sizes and ink— reflects the growing prominence of metalwork in the artistic practice of calligraphic toolmaking. It's elongated rectangular form with gently rounded corners, measuring approximately 10 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 2 inches tall, adheres to the typical medieval Islamic style. Despite its conventional form, the box's origin remains uncertain. The Metropolitan Museum of Art tentatively attributes the piece to northwestern Iran, possibly Tabriz, given the city's status as a thriving center for metal work as the Ilkhanid capital. At the same time, the Met recognizes that the box's motifs— likely including its densely populated decorations and heavy use of arabesques— align with those found in southwestern Iran.

The inscriptions on the pen box further complicate its attribution by suggesting connections to Mamluk Syria, another major political and artistic center during the medieval Islamic period. Although the extensive use of inscriptions is a characteristic feature throughout Islamic art, this box's use of long eulogistic inscriptions naming and praising its owner became widespread in Syria and Egypt in the early 13th century and reached its peak during the Mamluk period. According to the Met, the inscriptions on this box include good wishes to individuals bearing titles commonly associated with Mamluk sultans. Unlike other inscription traditions, Mamluk metal objects often featured inscriptions as a primary element of decoration. Early Mamluk metalwork was also frequently associated with silver-inlaid brass, as seen here.