Ca. 19th century AD. A brass pen case with an attached inkwell. The slender, elegant form of the pen case features rounded finials and a hinged mechanism that enables it to be opened for the insertion of writing tools. The lid of the case is adorned with a pointed finial, while the inkwell, attached to the side of the case, features a cushion-shaped body with a hinged cover decorated with a shell. The entire body of the case is covered with dense chiseled and chased decorations of scrolls and tendrils, creating a visually stunning effect that is both intricate and breathtaking. Pencases such as this one were an essential part of the Ottoman Empire's writing culture. They served as both a practical and decorative tool, providing a convenient and stylish way to store and transport writing materials. This particular example, with its attached inkwell, would have been especially useful for those who needed to write while on the move.Size: L:255mm / W:50mm ; 375gProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly in a collection of A. Kotlar, since the 1970s.