Lot 153: A PERSIAN QAJAR LACQUERED PAPIER-MACHE PEN BOX QALAMDAN, 19TH CENTURY

A Persian Qajar lacquered papier-mâché pen case, known as a qalamdan, dating to the 19th century. The object is of two-part construction, consisting of an elongated outer sheath and a sliding inner drawer with rounded ends. The exterior surfaces are decorated with traditional gul-o-bulbul (bird and flower) motifs against a dark brown or black ground. The hand-painted decoration features perched birds, butterflies, and various floral specimens including roses and irises in a palette of yellow, orange, and green. The sliding inner drawer is finished with a vibrant red ground, accented by gold-painted floral scrollwork along the upper borders.

L: 21.5cm