A LACQUERED PAPIER-MÂCHÉ PEN CASE (QALAMDAN)
PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE EUROPEAN COLLECTOR
Qajar Iran, dated 1280 AH (1863) and signed Isma'il Naqqashbashi

With rounded ends and sliding tray, lacquered, polychrome-painted and heightened in gold, the top painted with a vertical composition of cusped medallions with miniature portraits of Qajar beauties and beaus alternating chariot and horse-riding scenes, the portrait at the top signed and dated in black ink, the sides painted with horizontal compositions consisting of multiple cusped cartouches featuring more horse-riding scenes, gatherings in the wilderness, and hunting scenes, alternating with further portrait miniatures, the base and sides of the sliding tray painted in red with stylised gilt fretwork bands framing the edges, the underside of the case rather plain with gold rules against a red ground, 23cm long.