Scribal implements

Unknown artist

1700s–1800s

Aga Khan Museum

A collection of ornate scribal implements, including an inkwell, pen, scissors, and decorative cases, are arranged on a plain background. These Ottoman tools of the scribe feature exquisite workmanship in steel and brass with precious inlays of gold, silver, ivory, and turquoise. The elegant execution of these tools — including scissors and ruler, pen accessories and inkwells — reflects the view that beautiful instruments are essential to beautiful writing. Lavishly decorated with delicate metalwork and painted designs under varnish, these precision instruments are a link to scribes and bookmakers of the past. To view the individual scribal implements, see, AKM622.1 , AKM622.2 , AKM622.3 AKM622.4 , AKM622.5 , AKM622.6 , AKM622.7 , AKM622.8 , AKM622.9 , AKM622.10 , AKM