A Qajar lacquer penbox (qalamdan), signed by Ahmad ibn Mirza Hasan, Persia, dated AH 126[0]/AD 1844-45

with rounded ends and sliding tray, decorated in polychrome and gilt, with floral sprays with perching birds and butterflies, the borders with undulating vines, signed and dated to top, the sides of the inner tray and base with floral interlace
25. cm. long

Provenance
Private UK collection.

Inscriptions: 'Ahmad ibn Mirza Hasan AH 126[0]

For a similar pen box, see: Khalili, Robinson and Stanley, Lacquer of the Islamic Lands , Part Two, 1997, cat 281.

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