- Title
- Inkwell
- Date Made
- late 12th-early 13th century
- Medium
- Bronze, cast, incised and inlaid with copper and silver
- Dimensions
- a) Lid height: 2 1/2 in. (6.35 cm); a) Lid diameter: 3 1/2 in. (8.89 cm); b) Base height: 2 3/4 in. (6.99 cm); b) Base diameter: 3 5/8 in. (9.21 cm); Overall height: 5 in. (12.7 cm); Overall diameter: 3 5/8 in. (9.21 cm)
- Accession Number
- M.2006.138.2a-b
- Collecting Area
- Art of the Middle East: Islamic
- Curatorial Notes
Many calligraphy tools were designed for portability and are indicative of the mobile nature of the craft, which did not require a special studio but did demand good light and a comfortable place to sit or stand. In the case of this inkwell, a chain was run through loops on the lid and body, which are now missing, so the well could be carried on the wrist or a belt. Ink was stored in a wad of raw silk or wool within the well to prevent it from spilling in transport.
