Pen Box with Battle and Lion-Hunt Scenes

Description This pen box (qalamdan) by one of the leading artists of Qajar Persia (1785-1925) was either given to or commissioned by an Iranian official. It is inscribed: "For the blessed one, his gracious excellency, the most glorious, the most generous, the orderer of the royal register, may his glory endure." The presentation of qalamdans was part of court ritual, and political officials were often depicted with their pen boxes in royal portraits.

Conservation

Examined in preparation for exhibition.

Repaired in preparation for exhibition.

Date	Description	Narrative
12/31/1969	Examination	Examined
12/31/1969	Treatment	Repaired

Exhibitions

• The Art of Writing Instruments from Paris to Persia. 2011.
• Pearls on a String: Artists, Patrons, and Poets at the Great Islamic Courts. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore; Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. 2015-2016.

Provenance Acquired by Henry Walters, Baltimore; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.

Inscriptions For the blessed "presence," his gracious excellency, the most glorious, the most generous, the [elder], the orderer of the [royal] register, may his glory endure.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters