Antique 18th-19th Century Islamic Indo - Persian Lacquer Papier - Mâché Pen Case Qalamdan

Antique 18th-19th century Islamic Indo-Persian lacquer papier-mâché pen case (qalamdan) of typical form with rounded ends and sliding tray. The top qalamdan and two sides are adorned with six superbly hand-painted portraits of Muslim aristocrats within gilt cartouches.

The exterior is finely hand painted in great detail of an allegorical "shikargarh/shikargarh" hunting scene in the countryside scenery with a series of scenes depicting lions, tigers, and leopards hunting various animals, including antelopes, buffaloes, deer, and gazelles.

The background is delicately painted with a castle surrounded by trees with perching birds on the branches.

This qalamdan is painted with a superb artistic scale and excellent details and proportions of humans and animals.

During my 50 years of involvement in the antique Islamic Art trade, I have seen many Islamic papier-mâché qalamdans. However, most of them were not painted with such fine detail and high artistic level as this qalamdan, which is a true work of Islamic art.

Condition: It is in very good condition, considering its age to be approximately 200 years old. Shows age and use, except for some minor chips. Free of repairs or restoration.

Since the pictures were taken in the studio lighting, the colors, in daylight are not as glitter as the photos.

Dimensions:

Overall length: 22 cm (8.66 inches).

Width: 3.8 cm (1.5 inches).

High: 3.8 cm (1.5 inches).