Lacqered Papier Mâché Pen Case
Pen case of lacquered papier mâché with Persian inscription. It was probably made in Kashmir, but decorated by a Persian artist or calligrapher. It is painted green, gold and red and slides open from one end.
A translation of the Persian (Farsi) reads: On top: This pen holder is fit for a king with it's design of a [paradise] garden'. The front translates as: 'When used by a ruler or first minister this pen case will give glory and light like the moon in the sky' and the back reads: 'Whoever takes a pen out of this has the glory and honour of a king'.
Image: © Leeds Museums and Galleries