This silver and copper inlaid inkwell is intricately decorated with scrolling floral motifs and engraved calligraphy in 'naskh' and 'kufic' scripts. Calligraphy is a very important art form in the Islamic world. Through the genius of the calligraphers (in different regions) over the centuries, various scripts have developed. The Arabic letters were not just limited to manuscripts but also used to adorn other media like metalwork and ceramics. The naskh and kufic inscriptions on the lid are benedictory.
