A QAJAR PAPIER MACHÉ POLYCHROME LACQUER PENBOX WITH IVORY INKWELL

A QAJAR PAPIER MACHÉ POLYCHROME LACQUER PENBOX WITH IVORY INKWELL
Iran, inkwell dated AH 1249/1833-4 AD
With rounded ends and sliding tray, the gold glitter top and sides painted with crisply drawn floral and hazlenut sprays with perching birds, in panels divided by black spandrels with gold palmette vine, the black base and tray with fine gold meandering flowering vine, the fitted inkwell with carved ivory cover depicting a dervish on a matted ground within a scrolling border, the hinged inkwell cover itself carved with an elaborate palmette, opening to reveal the signature on the underside and date under the hinge
9in. (22.8cm.) long