a) case; b) lid. This is an elegant pen case such as would be carried by a nobleman or well dressed Lama. It is crafted from two heavy iron tubes, sealed at each end and fitted in the middle. A decorative floral pattern is carved through the surface of the iron cylinders. The surface is then covered with gold. A thick cotton cord, with a decorative silk tassel and jade fittings, holds the two parts of the case together. The case is tucked into the sash at the front of the monk's or layman's robe. The ritual canteen (T-128) may then be suspended by its cord from the pen case. 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 pict. See similar item: T-73, T-100, T-101, B-06See- Ink Well T-90.
Collection place:
Tibet
Verbatim coll. place:
Tibet
Collector:
Theos C. Bernard
Materials:
Cotton (textile), Gold (metal), Iron (metal), Jade (rock), and Silk
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
Department:
Asia (except western Russia)
Comment:
Comments: When cataloged, this pen case contained one pair of ivory chopsticks. This appears to have introduced the error in the appraisal an elsewhere that this is a dinner set or chopsticks holder.