AN OTTOMAN SILVER PARCEL-GILT PEN BOX (DIVIT)
AN OTTOMAN SILVER PARCEL-GILT PEN BOX (DIVIT) WITH TUGHRA OF MAHMUD II (R.1808-39), TURKEY, 19TH CENTURY
Stock number: D131
Silver
the elongated rectangular case with swollen terminals and a double-hinged well, the gilt terminals and edges and base of well with incised floral decoration, stamped with tughras of Sultan Mahmud II (r.1808-39)
5 by 13.5cm
A portable pen case, or divit, has an inkwell on the exterior, at one end of the tubular arm that holds the pen، mostly placed in the owner’s belt, it serves during travelling. It was mainly used by Ottoman officials and administrators for writing e.g. firmans. Quills were originally kept in the penholder and the little hinged box served as an inkwell. Both were made of either brass or silver, sometimes with gold appliques and were decorated with calligraphy or vegetal designs.
