Pen Case with Dragons and Foliate Design with Inscription
15th/16th century
Medium
Gilt iron, paper
Dimensions
Case: H.: 37.5 cm (14 3/4 in.); Inscription: 22.9 × 3.8 cm (9 × 1 1/2 in.)
Classification
gold
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
241618
Art Historical Context
This elegant **Pen Case with Dragons and Foli Design with Inscription**, to the 15th or 16th century, hails from the Arts of Asia collection at the Art Institute of Chicago Crafted from gilt iron—a technique where a thin layer of gold is applied over iron for a luxurious sheen—the case stands 37.5 cm tall, serving as both a practical holder for writing instruments and a showcase of refined artistry. Accompanying it is a slender paper inscription measuring 22.9 × 3.8 cm, likely bearing poetic or calligraphic text, which underscores its ties to scholarly traditions. The dynamic dragons and intr...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...