Lot 125
Antique 19th Century Ottoman Cast & Pierced Brass Qalamdan Traveling Scribe's Pen Case and Inkwell
Antique 19th Century Ottoman Cast & Pierced Brass Qalamdan Traveling Scribe's Pen Case and Inkwell
Starting Bid: $50
(0 Bids)A 19th-century cast and pierced brass Qalamdan (also traditionally known as a divit in Ottoman traditions) is an exceptionally collectible, highly functional portable writing set. Carried by traveling scribes, court clerks, merchants, and scholars throughout the Ottoman Empire and Persia, these pieces were often slipped directly into a waist sash or belt as a physical badge of the owner's educated trade. The Pen Case: The long, tubular or rectangular arm was designed specifically to house reed pens (qalams) or quills securely. It typically features a hinged end cap or slide-out compartment. The Integrated Inkwell: Attached directly to the side or end of the barrel is a bulbous, heavy faceted inkwell (hokka). To make it completely functional for the road, scribes packed the inside of the well with raw silk fibers (liqah). The fibers absorbed the liquid ink like a sponge, allowing the pen to be dipped while preventing disastrous spills during bumpy transit. High Tier / Collector's Grade $1,000 $2,000+ Features intricate pierced or openwork detailing creating a lace-like effect. Often retains its original internal components (like ink-absorbing raw silk), has rare design motifs (such as Egyptian Revival/"Egyptomania" themes), or carries verified signatures. Highly curated dealers like 1stdibs feature specimens in this bracket. Mid-Tier / High Quality $250 $600 Exceptional, heavy cast-brass bodies with extensive, deep hand-incised foliate scrollwork or Arabic/Persian calligraphy, but lacking extensive pierce-work. Structurally perfect with smoothly working hinges and secure end caps. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request
- Dimensions: 9" long
- Condition: Very Good Condition
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $49 | $5 |
| $50 | $99 | $5 |
| $100 | $199 | $10 |
| $200 | $499 | $25 |
| $500 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $9,999 | $250 |
| $10,000 + | $500 |