Pen Case and Inkwell
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Brass
Dimensions
H. 2 in. (5.1 cm) W. 11 3/8 in. (28.9 cm) D. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm) Wt. 11 oz. (311.9 g)
Classification
Metal
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Mrs. A. M. Minturn, 1890
Accession Number
90.3.4
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite **Pen Case and Inkwell crafted in brass during the 19th century, exemplifies the refined metalworking traditions of Islamic art. Compact yet elegantly proportioned—standing just 2 inches tall, 11⅜ inches wide, and weighing a mere 11 ounces—it served as a practical writing accessory for scholars, calligraphers, and administrators. In Islamic culture, such tools were essential for producing manuscripts, legal documents, and poetic works, where mastery of calligraphy held profound artistic and spiritual value. Brass, a favored medium in the Islamic world for its durability, mallea...