Pen case, cast bronze, inlaid with copper, silver, and red and black substances

Cast and engraved decoration covers the entire surface of this magnificent pen case, which moreover was given outsized and equally richly conceived cast fittings. The lid was inlaid with copper and silver, but this chromatic effect was not enough for the artist, who also used red and black substances to inlay the friezes on the sides with running animals and vines. The effect achieved with black was familiar from niello inlays, while the red color is rarely found.

The following was engraved under the clasp: “The favorite piece of Uthman ibn Abu Bakr from Zanjan.” No wonder Uthman liked it!