Late 18th-19th century AD. A large moulded and lacquered papier-mâché pen case or qalamdan formed with rounded ends and sliding tray, lacquered, polychrome-painted on black ground, and heightened in gold, the curved top with three seated archaistic Kings of the Iran in a vertical arrangement, the sides with clusters of seated male figures in animated gestures interspersed with lobed arabesque medallions, the inner tray, sides and outer base with hunting scenes drawn in gold. 461 grams, 40cm (15 3/4"). From the private collection of a London gentleman; acquired on the London art market; previously in a private UK collection.