Ancient Artifact Review 118 : An antique Indo-Persian heavy brass traveling scribe’s set (Qalamdan and Dawat), 18th–19th Century

 

This object is a Qalamdan va Dawat (also referred to as a portable brass qalamdan or traveling scribe's set). It is a traditional writing utensil set historically used throughout the Persia, and subcontinet

A Qalamdan va Dawat served as a mobile writing desk companion for calligraphers, scribes (kātibs), government clerks, and merchants.

Primary Names for the Complete Set

1. Qalamdan-e Borenji / Qalamdan-e Felezi (قلمدان برنجی / قلمدان فلزی):

   • Qalamdan (قلمدان): The general umbrella term across Persian, Qajar, and Mughal cultures for a pen case or writing set (derived from qalam = reed pen, and -dan = container).

   • Borenji / Felezi: Denotes "brass" or "metal" to distinguish heavy cast-metal traveling sets from the papier-mâché painted lacquer pen cases (qalamdan-e roghani) that became immensely popular during the Qajar period.

2. Qalamdan va Dawat (قلمدان و دوات):

   • Refers directly to the integrated combination of the pen sheath (qalamdan) and the inkwell (dawat). In archival inventory lists and museum catalogs (such as those of the Victoria and Albert Museum or the Metropolitan Museum of Art), these are frequently classified together as a Qalamdan with Dawat or Dawat-o-Qalamdan.

3. Maju (مجموعہ / مجمو):

   • In Mughal courtly inventories and South Asian Persian scribal terminology, a complete portable writing kit comprising the pen tube, attached inkwell, and hanging utility tools (likah-gir, burnishers, or keys) was often recorded under compound terms like Saz-e Kātib (scribe's gear) or Majmu'ah-ye Qalamdan.

1. Key Regional & Stylistic Markers

• Persian vs. Mughal/Indo-Persian Distinction:

  • While Ottoman pen cases (divit) are typically characterized by smooth, flat or rounded rectangular brass tubes with plain integrated inkwells attached near the end, Persian and Mughal/Deccani sets place heavy emphasis on openwork carving, complex architectural profiles, and rich surface embellishments.

  • The ribbed onion-dome (gumbad) shape of the inkwell lid is a classic hallmark of Persian (Qajar) and North Indian (Mughal/Deccani) decorative metalwork.

• Openwork Lattice (Jali / Pierced Work):

  • The main body of the pen sheath features cut-out diamond/geometric fretwork (jali), allowing airflow around stored reed pens to prevent mold or dampness. This intricate technique is deeply rooted in Persian metalwork and was adopted widely in Indian scribal arts.

• Chain-Linked Accessories:

  • The small brass implements attached via brass links (visible in the detailed shots) are specialized tools of the traveling scribe:

    • Pounce / Burnishing Plug: Used to smooth or treat paper prior to writing.

    • Ink Straining / Stirring Pin: Used to stir or adjust the cotton/silk fibers (likah) packed inside the ink chamber.

2. Form & Construction Details

Feature	Visual Observation	Technical / Historical Function
Inkwell Lid	Fluted bulbous dome with a lotus/finial handle top	Keeps ink sealed tightly while reflecting traditional Islamic architectural forms.
Lower Inkwell Neck	Chased cartouches with floral/foliage engraving	Houses decorative borders or poetic inscriptions (often dedicated to the art of calligraphy).
Pen Shaft	Double-bar tubular metal frame holding a pierced brass inner sheath	Provides structural rigidity while protecting delicate reed pen nibs from crushing.
Base & Cap Closures	Sculpted end knobs secured with chains	Ensures pen pens and tools stay intact during transit without sliding out.

3. Estimated Era & Catalog Classification

• Estimated Dating: Late 18th to 19th Century (Qajar / Late Mughal Period).

• Primary Material: Cast, pierced, and hand-engraved heavy brass (or bronze) with a rich natural dark patina.