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Inkwell of Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Ali

unknownlate 12th century

Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum
Toronto, Canada

This inkwell has three portraits. The inscription on the cover names Ali son of Muhammad son of Ali, Inspector (mushrif) in charge of the royal household accounts. Because two of the portraits display tools associated with his trade (a surveying instrument to assess property value and tax, a pen and a purse), we believe that these portraits represent him. The third panel shows a person presenting the inkwell, perhaps as a gift.

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  • Title: Inkwell of Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Ali
  • Creator: unknown
  • Date: late 12th century
  • Location: Herat, Afghanistan
  • Physical Dimensions: h11.5 cm
  • Type: Inkwell
  • Rights: Royal Ontario Museum
  • Medium: Bronze (cast), copper and silver inlay, engraving
  • Accession Number: 972.1
Royal Ontario Museum

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