Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality

Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality
Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality
Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality
Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality
Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality
Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality
Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality
Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality
Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality
Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality
Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality
Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality

Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality

Length of the item is approx 12.5 A truly remarkable Qalamdan, davit or pen box that dates from the last half of the 19th century, probably from Cairo or Damascus under the Ottoman Empire. There are general recognised to be three standards of Cairo ware and this would have to rank with the best, and is certainly the best Qalamdan I have ever owned.

The workmanship is so finely executed, and has none of the rough heavy workmanship that is often associated with the later and more unrefined wares that seem to be everywhere at the moment. It is not just a rectangular container, but the main body actually has eight sides to it. The inlay work is exceptionally fine with geometric designs and a number of inscriptions in Arabic.

The hinges and the lids are not clumsy or loose and the overall length of the Qalamdan is 12.5" and not the more usual smaller size of about 9". When you look at the item it is well proportioned, slim, clean-lined and quite simply an object of beauty... And this is not me trying to talk it up, it is simply a very desirable object. Condition is very good, slight ware that is largely a bit of rubbing over the last 130 years or so, a little loads of dirt that I have not removed and have left the whole thing in uncleaned condition. The actual lid of the box is on tightly and will need a bit of cajoling to tease open (or lubricant or heat), but is not something I have attempted. You are welcome to pick this item up in the UK free of charge, or I will deliver within a 30 mile radius also free of charge. The item "Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality" is in sale since Thursday, April 28, 2016. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian/ Oriental Antiques\Islamic/ Middle Eastern". The seller is "zazal" and is located in Uckfield, UK. This item can be shipped to North, South, or Latin America, to all countries in Europe, to Australia.


Large 19th Century Cairo Ware Islamic Qalamdan or pen box of outstanding quality


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