A Mamluk brass pencase, Egypt or Syria, 15th century

of rectangular form with rounded ends, two plate hinges at the back with foliate terminals attaching a rimmed cover with ivory plaque to front, decorated allover except on the underside with incised and inlaid designs comprised of roundels and cartouches filled with geometrical interlace and inscriptions bordered by strapwork bands and interlocking split-palmettes

good overall condition, plate hinges and ivory plaque later, patination, interior missing, two rivets to the base, small areas of splitting to rim, rubbing to silver 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."

inscription

On the sides, in Kufic:
A quatrain in Arabic

For a similar quatrain, see Doris Behrens-Abouseif, 'A late Mamluk oil lamp in The Hungarian National Museum', Shifting Sands, Reading Signs, Studies in Honour of Professor Geza Féhervári, London, 2006, p.159.