A Mamluk silver and gold-inlaid brass composite pencase, Egypt or Syria, FIRST HALF OF 14TH CENTURY AND LATER

of elongated rectangular form, a square with circular aperture inkwell housed within one end, with inlaid and incised decoration of medallions of interlacing foliate motifs linked by a band of cursive calligraphy, within two registers of scrolling foliate tendrils punctuated with keyfret roundels, the top with cartouches of similar motifs, the inkwell with traces of calligraphy and bird designs

pitting and patination throughout consistent with age, minor dents, rubbing and losses to inlay, base of inwell replaced, cover missing
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions:

with Arabic inscriptions, mostly undeciphered, but including the word dawat 'inkwell'. The pencase is principally formed from the body of a magnificently decorated Mamluk pencase, closely related in its foliate motifs and calligraphy to one in the British Museum (Ward 1993, p.107). The top of our pencase was originally probably the interior base. The inkwell is formed from another Mamluk piece of this period, possibly also a pencase.