Product Description

Antique Ottoman Turkish Pen Box

Material: Brass
Style: Turkey
Size: Height 5.5 cm (closed), Length 22 cm
Order Number: MHSAOTPB

An elongated Ottoman scribe’s pen box (divit) with a bulbous rectangular inkwell with champfered corners and a long container for a pen. The lid is decorated. It is known as a qalamdan in Arabic.

A lika or wad of raw silk threads was placed in the inkwell, over which ink was poured. The lika acted like a sponge stopping the ink from spilling if it was accidentally knocked over.

Pen boxes were considered essential for a scribe. The box was as important as the person who used its contents. Pen boxes were carried by penmen of all ranks, often tucked into shawls tied around their waists. They were a badge of their trade.

19th century – early 20th century.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).