22nd Apr, 2026 12:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
51
AN INDIAN KOFTGARI SILVER AND GOLD INLAID STEEL PEN BOX
India, 19th century
AN INDIAN KOFTGARI SILVER AND GOLD INLAID STEEL PEN BOX
India, 19th century
This penbox, known a qalamdan, is rectangular and crafted from steel, adorned with inlaid damascene gold and silver decorations. It showcases designs of palmettes, floral scrolls, and circular medallions. Complete with a keyhole, the interior is lined with its original red velvet and includes a small, partitioned compartment.
Koftagari (or koftgari) is a refined Indian damascening technique used to decorate weapons and objects made of steel or iron. Particularly widespread between the 17th and 19th centuries in regions such as Rajasthan, Punjab, and the Deccan, it involves lightly incising the metal surface and 'hammering' gold or silver wires or sheets into the grooves created.
4cm x 6.5cm x 25.2cm
Estimated at £300 - £400
AN INDIAN KOFTGARI SILVER AND GOLD INLAID STEEL PEN BOX
India, 19th century
This penbox, known a qalamdan, is rectangular and crafted from steel, adorned with inlaid damascene gold and silver decorations. It showcases designs of palmettes, floral scrolls, and circular medallions. Complete with a keyhole, the interior is lined with its original red velvet and includes a small, partitioned compartment.
Koftagari (or koftgari) is a refined Indian damascening technique used to decorate weapons and objects made of steel or iron. Particularly widespread between the 17th and 19th centuries in regions such as Rajasthan, Punjab, and the Deccan, it involves lightly incising the metal surface and 'hammering' gold or silver wires or sheets into the grooves created.
4cm x 6.5cm x 25.2cm
Auction: Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, 22nd Apr, 2026
We are excited to present our Islamic and Indian Art Auction.
The sale brings together a remarkable collection of rare textiles, lacquerwear, woodwork, manuscripts and more. Featuring a 13th century bronze Ayyubid candlestick (lot 29), a monumental Indian silver-overlaid wooden footstool (lot 140) and an Ottoman calligraphic silk lampas panel from the inner covering of the Ka’ba (lot 166).
One further unmissable highlight is the beautifully enamelled 18 carat gold pocket watch by Breguet et Fils, produced for the Ottoman market (lot 148). We are delighted also to present further pieces from the collection of Mr Georges Antaki in this auction, which promises something of interest for all collectors interested in Islamic and Indian art.
Sale date(s) & Start time:
22 Apr 2026 12:00 BST
Viewing
Viewing date(s) & Start time(s):
17 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
18 Apr 2026 11:00 - 16:00
20 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
21 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
