Pen Box and Inkwell

Pen Box and Inkwell

Writing tools

The central role of writing in Islamic societies led to calligraphy becoming the most important visual art form. Portable pen cases (Turkish: divit) were made with great care and became objects of art themselves. Examples from the Ottoman lands are characterized by pronounced end pieces with an inkwell and a tubular arm that held the pens. Such pieces were often hinged and had a metal loop for attachment to a belt. This parallels the belt-attachable design of the Japanese yatate (found elsewhere in this room). The yatate and divit elevated pen cases to the status of wearable works of art.

Turkish (Artist)

http://art.thewalters.org/detail/39988/penbox-and-inkwell/

Walters Art Museum

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Inkwell
Penbox

Physical Item

Museum Number WM: 57.627
AOB 10: 4-26-2012

http://art.thewalters.org/detail/39988/penbox-and-inkwell/

18th century (early modern)

1 3/4 in x 2 1/4 in x 9 1/8 in; (4 1/2 cm x 5 3/4 cm x 23 2/5 cm)

1 Inkwell
1 Penbox (1 3/4 in x 2 1/4 in x 9 1/8 in)

The Walters Art Museum
600 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

silver (metal)
gilding
niellos (engraved works)

Istanbul, Turkey

Henry Walters, Baltimore [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

The World of Islam. Saint Mary's College, St. Mary's City. 1981.
Illuminated Manuscripts: Masterpieces in Miniature. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1984-1985.
Islamic Culture and the Medical Arts. National Library of Medicine, Bethesda. 1994.
Poetry and Prayer: Islamic Manuscripts from the Walters Art Museum. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 2010.