A Mamluk silver-inlaid brass pen-case, EGYPT OR SYRIA, 14TH CENTURY

of elongated rectangular form, the top and sides with scrolling globular floral motifs of alternating size set within a floral border, the inside lid with a bold, elongated cartouche of Arabic calligraphy, the inside with a long rectangular aperture at one end and three smaller apertures at the other, one aperture houses a sand container with functioning clasp-operated lid and perforated sand dispenser



inscriptions



An Arabic couplet:

'When peace is fixed [within you], a smooth life is created. Therefore, there should be no envy and do not harbour hatred or practice deceit in the World.'

areas of splitting to extremities with associated repair, hinges, lock catch and sand dispenser cover replaced, areas of rubbing and losses to inlay, as viewed
"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."

Metalwork undoubtedly acts as the standard bearer of all Mamluk art, and it is the medium through which their most prolific, exquisite and important work has been produced. The Bahri sultans (1250-1390) were a dynasty infatuated with luxurious wares, and the concentration of Mamluk wealth in the hands of the ruling classes allowed them to become prolific patrons of the arts. Huge quantities of gold and silver objects have been found in the treasuries of the leading amirs of the fourteenth century. Amongst these, the pen box was a significant symbol of office in the Mamluk court, and would be bestowed on senior ranking officers or favourites of the ruling class.

Ayyubid inspired floral and geometric motifs feature heavily in metalwork from this period and are present on the current example. Inlaid pen boxes of this type, however, are relatively rare, and the current example belongs to a small group which share a rectangular shape and hinged lid. Related pencases are in the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo (see Catalogue General du Musée Arabe du Caire, Cairo, 1984, pl III and IV) and in the British Museum (see Islamic Metalwork, London, p. 106).

The current example shares a similar format with those highlighted above, with an identical layout of internal elements including the pen section and sand dispenser. Items of this kind were produced either in Damascus or Cairo, where craftsmen were renowned for inlay work.