Inkwell - qalamdan (Armenian: kaghamaran) - Brass, Copper

ANTIQUE ARMENIAN-OTTOMAN DIVIT / QALAMDAN – DATED 1864 – ENGRAVED ARMENIAN INSCRIPTION – ORIGINAL PATINA An exceptional 19th-century Armenian-Ottoman travelling writing set, beautifully decorated and bearing a remarkable engraved inscription in Armenian script, together with the clearly visible date 1864. This elegant and historically fascinating writing instrument, traditionally known as a divit or qalamdan (Armenian: kaghamaran), combines a long, slender pen case with a separate compact inkwell. Such portable writing sets were essential personal accessories for merchants, scribes, officials and educated travellers throughout the Ottoman Empire. They were designed to accommodate reed pens and writing implements, allowing their owners to carry the necessary equipment for correspondence and record-keeping. AN EXCEPTIONAL ARMENIAN INSCRIPTION – DATED 1864 The most remarkable feature of this particular example is the extensive inscription, carefully engraved along one side of the pen case in Armenian characters. The inscription terminates with the clearly legible date 1864, placing the object firmly within the historical context of the Ottoman Empire during the nineteenth century. The text may represent a personal dedication, ownership inscription or commemorative statement. Its complete translation has not yet been established, making the inscription a particularly interesting subject for further historical and linguistic research. The Armenian inscription is an especially attractive feature, providing a tangible connection with the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Armenian communities of the Ottoman Empire. FINE METALWORK AND DECORATIVE DETAILS The writing case is fashioned from brass or a comparable copper alloy and displays the characteristic elongated, multi-faceted construction of traditional Ottoman travelling pen cases. Its surface is enriched with finely engraved decorative borders, scrolling ornaments and carefully worked terminal fittings. The rounded end cap features engraved geometric and floral details, while the opposite end is equipped with a hinged closure and a small suspension fitting. The accompanying inkwell is particularly charming, with its compact rectangular form, rounded corners and an elegant hinged lid decorated with a striking radiating fan or scallop-shell motif. The warm golden-brown tones of the metal, together with darker areas of natural oxidation, give the ensemble a particularly attractive historical appearance. ORIGINAL CONDITION – BEAUTIFUL HISTORICAL PATINA One of the most appealing qualities of this antique writing set is its visibly aged surface. The metal retains a rich, irregular patina developed through prolonged handling, storage and exposure to the environment. Darker oxidation survives within the engraved ornamentation, emphasizing the fine craftsmanship and giving the inscription remarkable visual depth. Scattered scratches, surface wear, small irregularities and areas of discoloration are consistent with its age and former practical use. The object has not been polished to a bright modern finish and retains the appealing appearance of an antique working instrument. The photographs form an important part of the description and illustrate the condition in detail. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Armenian craftsmen played an important role in the artistic and commercial life of the Ottoman Empire, particularly in metalworking, jewellery, engraving and the production of finely decorated everyday objects. Portable writing instruments of this kind reflect the sophisticated material culture of the period, when handwriting remained indispensable to administration, trade, education and private correspondence. The inscription dated 1864 makes this example especially interesting as an individual historical object rather than simply a decorative antique. DETAILS Object: Antique portable writing set, consisting of a pen case and inkwell Type: Divit / Qalamdan / Kaghamaran Cultural attribution: Armenian-Ottoman Period: 19th century Inscribed date: 1864 Material: Brass or copper alloy Decoration: Engraved Armenian inscription, ornamental borders and decorative metal fittings Length: 23.5 cm Weight: 346 g Condition: Antique condition with attractive age-related patina, surface wear and oxidation, as illustrated in the photographs A DISTINCTIVE COLLECTOR'S PIECE An impressive example of nineteenth-century Ottoman writing culture, distinguished by its Armenian inscription, elaborate decorative metalwork and beautifully preserved aged appearance. An appealing addition to collections of Armenian cultural heritage, Ottoman antiques, historical writing instruments, Islamic-period metalwork and nineteenth-century decorative arts. The engraved date of 1864 is clearly visible; the precise wording of the Armenian inscription and the exact workshop of manufacture remain unverified.

Utropspris:SEK 133.66

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