Inscriptions and Decorations on an Ottoman Inkwell from the 11th H./ 17 th G. Century: An Artistic Archaeological Study

Abstract

Muslims were keen on learning reading and writing. Therefore, Muslim craftsmen have paid due attention to making and decorating writing tools, such as inkwells or pen cases. Various making and decoration methods and raw materials, e.g., wood, ivory, metals, and glass, were used throughout the ages. The paper studies a published inkwell on the museum’s website, but not yet investigated, ivory inkwell kept in Victoria and Albert Museum numbered 649-1883 dated to 1082 A.H./ 1671 A.D., made in Egypt. The name of the craftsman was registered on it. This industry highlights the shape of pen cases in the 11th H./ 17th G. century that was made in Egypt, the materials, as well as writings and decorations of these artifacts. Studying this inkwell adopted the analytical descriptive method; the descriptive aspect was employed to describe the inkwell, its decorations, and reading its texts, whereas the analytical aspect approach highlighted the material, form, decorations, and writings of the inkwell. Studying this inkwell is significant because it highlights the shapes, manufacturing methods, decorations, as well as inscriptions and their contents of ivory inkwells in the 11th H./17 th G. century. The paper explores the shape of this inkwell and compares its similarity or difference to other inkwells dated to the 11th H./17 th G. century. It also investigates its decorations and diversity. The paper studies the inscriptions, script, and content of those writings.