Writing box

18. yüzyıl

Sabancı Üniversitesi Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi (Emirgan, İstanbul, Türkiye)

Writing boxes were used by calligraphers to carry their writing materials and to keep them at hand on the writing stand while working. This example is unusual in having a convex shape. Like the other examples in the exhibition, the surface is decorated with panels of tortoiseshell and mother of pearl inlay. Treatment of the floral motifs in particular shows that this is the work of a skilled craftsman. The lid is hinged and is decorated on the inside with cartouches and bouquets around an oval medallion in the centre. This Turkish rococo style decoration reflects 18th century tastes. In the upper tray there is a lidded inkwell, a wad of silk fibre used to stop the reed pen taking up too much ink, a strainer and a small writing set that includes a pen case. This tray lifts up. A chain attached to the side of the box keeps the lid in place when opened and makes it easier to carry the box when closed.

Detail

Collection:

Kitap Sanatları ve Hat Koleksiyonu

Title:

Writing box

Date:

18. yüzyıl

Dimensions:

12 x 38,5 x 14 cm

Medium:

Wood, tortoiseshell, mother of pearl, ivory, ebony, silver

Location:

Sabancı Üniversitesi Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi (Emirgan, İstanbul, Türkiye)

Object Number:

195-0567-X

Writing box

Detail

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