A LACQUERED PAPIER-MÂCHÉ PEN CASE (QALAMDAN), SIGNED YA SADIQ AL-WA'D (FOR MUHAMMAD SADIQ), IRAN, LATE 18TH CENTURY A LACQUERED PAPIER-MÂCHÉ PEN CASE (QALAMDAN), SIGNED YA SADIQ AL-WA'D (FOR MUHAMMAD SADIQ), IRAN, LATE 18TH CENTURY A LACQUERED PAPIER-MÂCHÉ PEN CASE (QALAMDAN), SIGNED YA SADIQ AL-WA'D (FOR MUHAMMAD SADIQ), IRAN, LATE 18TH CENTURY

A LACQUERED PAPIER-MÂCHÉ PEN CASE (QALAMDAN), SIGNED YA SADIQ AL-WA'D (FOR MUHAMMAD SADIQ), IRAN, LATE 18TH CENTURY

Reference: ART3001843

Of typical elongated form, rounded ends and sliding tray, the top painted with a dense and lively battle scene, the sides with mounted figures hunting rabbits and deer in a landscape, the red underside and tray painted with gold floral meander. 3.5 by 23.5 by 4.5 cm.

Muhammad Sadiq of Isfahan. Muhammad Sadiq was a gifted pupil of Muhammad Ashraf, who flourished from 1128 AH/1716 AD to A.H.1177/1763-4.AD. His output was not confined to lacquer alone, and his oeuvre includes two oil paintings in the Chehel Sotun Palace in Isfahan, one produced for the Afsharid ruler Nadir Shah and the other for Agha Muhammad Khan Qajar.

This particular scene painted upon the pen box is adapted from the wall paintings at the Chihil Sutun Palace at Isfahan. The animation and crush of figures is emphasised in translating this scene from a wall painting to a miniature scale.