BY.T-101 (previous number) and T-101 (original number)
Accession number:
Acc.4737
Description:
Pen case, in two pieces(a,b); case is crafted from two heavy iron tubes, sealed at each end and fitted in the middle. A decorative floral pattern is carved on the surface. A leather thong holds the two parts of the case together.
Donor:
Estate of G. Eleanore Murray, Estate of Theos C. Bernard, and Theos C. Bernard
Collection place:
Tibet
Verbatim coll. place:
Tibet
Collector:
Theos C. Bernard
Materials:
Brass (alloy), Cotton (textile), and Iron (metal)
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Carvings (visual works) and Pen cases
Function:
7.1 Writing and Records (including religious texts)
Production date:
19th-20th century
Accession date:
March 12, 2004
Context of use:
To be tucked into the sash at the front of the monk's or layman's robe. The ceremonial canteen (9-21899) is then suspended by its cord from the scepter. Other monks would tuck a ritual scepter (9-21866) into their sash rather than this type of pen case, and hang the canteen from that. Bamboo or other quill pens are carried in the case. The bamboo pen is made from a single piece of bamboo, the end cut at an angle and then split and carved in such a manner as to form a small reservoir. This makes the pen rather fragile and in need of the strong, protective enclosure of the pen case. See: T-73 pictSee similar item: 9-21929, 9-21889, 9-21890, 9-22212 See- Ink Well 9-21908a,b.
Department:
Asia (except western Russia)
Dimensions:
width 3.175 centimeters, length 37.465 centimeters, and height 2.858 centimeters