Penbox with Portrait of Muhammad Shah Qajar
Unknown Artist
1840s
Medium
Papier-mache; painted and varnished
Dimensions
W. 2 1/8 in. (5.3 cm) L. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm)
Classification
Lacquer
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, 2017 and 2018 NoRuz at The Met Benefits, 2022
Accession Number
2022.324
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
This elegant penbox from the 1840s showcases the refined artistry of Qajar Persia. Crafted from papier-mâché and finished with painted and varnished lacquer, the slender container measures just over ten inches long, making it both portable and practical for storing reed pens and ink. Its surface features a portrait of Muhammad Shah Qajar, who ruled Iran from 1834 to 1848, suggesting the piece was likely made for a member of the royal court or as a diplomatic gift. In the Qajar era, lacquerwork on papier-mâché became a celebrated medium for blending utility with opulent decoration. Artisans ap...