Qalamdan (pen-case) Open

This rectangular pen-case has two dawats (inkwells), with tiny lids and a tray. The tray provides division of two levels to the pen container for storing more qalams (pen). The dome-shaped outer portion of the lid is decorated with three cartouches, which contain Persian verses in prose and poetry form. A date is inscribed within rectangular floral border. The corners have designs depicting birds, animals and floral motifs. The case is beautifully decorated with niello or siaha qalam work.