# Russian Enamel Pencase

Price: $2,300.00 · Region: Europe · Type: Antiques

A rare object this 17th century Russian pencase takes the form of an Ottoman divit, or scribe's case, also known as a qalamdan, exemplifies the cross-cultural influences between the Islamic world and Russia during the early modern period. Fashioned from metal and decorated with intricate patterns black, yellow, white, red, green, and blue enamels, the pencase reflects the functional and artistic traditions of Islamic calligraphy while incorporating distinctly Russian artistic sensibilities.

  


**Form** : The pencase closely mirrors the classic Islamic **qalamdan** , a portable writing set used by scholars and scribes. Typically, a qalamdan features a compartment for storing **qalam** (reed pens) and a space for an inkpot, emphasizing its dual-purpose functionality.

  


**Decoration** : This Russian interpretation features **arabesques** , **geometric motifs** , and enamelling, techniques common in Islamic decorative arts. Russian artisans adopted these designs, demonstrating their engagement with Persian, Ottoman, and Central Asian aesthetics.

  


In the 16th and 17th centuries, Russia's geographical proximity to Islamic states and trade routes facilitated significant cultural exchange. Under the influence of the **Golden Horde** , Ottoman Empire, and Safavid Persia, many Russian objects adopted Islamic forms and styles. This phenomenon is evident in architectural designs, textiles, and metalwork.  Some of the most famous diplomatic gifts of the period were fashioned in an Islamic-style and were often commissioned as diplomatic gifts, symbolizing mutual respect and the adoption of admired foreign aesthetics.

  


A near identical example is in the collection of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, published in 1987.

  


  


Finally see a related Russian dagger with identical style enameling sold at Christies in 2020, linked [here](https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/russian-art/cloisonne-en-plein-enamel-knife-snuff-box-260/91221).