An unusual and interesting anthropomorphically shaped combination candlestick, inkwell, and pen rest, of a type used primarily by travelling scribes in India and Persia. The piece is comprised of a spherical rotating inkwell with a wide funnel mouth, set on two curved legs with stylized feet and a folding, forked tail. Above the legs and inkwell is a thin stem terminating in the sconce and floral shaped drip-pan of the candlestick. Connecting the inkwell and candlestick are two arms with three upwardly curved protrusions that act as pen rests. Nearly every surface of this piece has been decoratively damascened in gold and silver throughout, though much of it is worn now.

India or Persia - 19th Century

H: 8 3/8 in., (21.3 cm.)