Inkwell, Iran, 12th century Bronze, silver-inlaid AKM605

Inkwell, Iran, 12th century Bronze, silver-inlaid AKM605

Known in Arabic as mihbara and in Persian as dawat, inkwells like this one were an essential tool for medieval scribes, protecting the ink from dirt and enabling it to be transported easily. The two loops on either side may have been used as slots for a handle or sling. While inkwells were sometimes made from glass or wood, the rich bronze inlaid with silver seen here suggests that its scribe served a high-ranking bureaucrat.

Aga Khan Museum

12th century

Courtesy of the Aga Khan Museum

Aga Khan Museum

Dimensions: 14 x 10.2 cm

Materials: Bronze, silver-inlaid

Arabic

AKM605

Iran