A Silver-Inlaid Brass Penbox, Persia, 12th/13th century

of elongated oblong form, the hinged lid of sheet brass decorated to the top with two bands of silver-inlaid kufic and two large medallions of interlacing strapwork fringed with rayed tear-drop motifs, the hinges and frontal clasp each with an openwork palmette-shaped terminal, some silver inlay possibly later

Sotheby's, 28 April 1994, lot 94.

Some rub marks and discoloration, interior with surface encrustation, abrasions and knocks to hinges, external surfaces cleaned to show inscriptions and decorations, possibly with some later silver inlay, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions

bi'l-yumn wa al-baraka / wa al-dawla wa al-s'a / da wa al-salama wa a / l-raha (wa a) li-sahibihi

'With Good-fortune and Blessing and Wealth and Happiness and Well-being and Ease to its owner'.

For a thirteenth-century example of similar form, see Atil, E., Islamic Art and Patronage. Treasures from Kuwait, New York, 1990, p.140, no.40. The celebrated penbox in the British Museum, signed by the craftsman Mahmud ibn Sunqur, is dated 680 AH/ 1281 AD (London 1976, p.183, no.202; Ward 1993, pp.90-1, figs.69-71). There are further examples in the David Collection, Copenhagen (von Folsach 2001, p.307, no.484) and the L.A. Mayer Museum, Jerusalem, both of which have hinges in the form of openwork palmettes similar to the present example.