Indo-Persian Damascened / Koftgari Inkstand

Koftgari:

• Definition: Koftgari is an ancient Persian art of inlaying one metal (often gold or silver) into another, creating intricate patterns or designs.
• Process: Skilled artisans engrave the base metal with fine lines or depressions. Then, they hammer or press the precious metal into these grooves, securing it permanently.
• Purpose: Koftgari was commonly used for decorating weapons, armor, jewelry, and functional objects like inkwells.

Damascening:

• Definition: Damascening (also known as Damascus work) involves creating intricate patterns by inlaying contrasting metals into a base material.
• Process: Similar to Koftgari, artisans engrave the base metal and then insert precious metals (such as gold, silver, or copper) into the incised lines.

A scribe’s instrument from India / Persia crafted in silver and gold inlay Koftgari, features a revolving inkwell, quill rest, and candlestick. The entire piece is meticulously adorned with delicate scrolls, interlaced flowers, and leaves in either gold or silver. The spherical inkwell, which rotates freely, boasts a wide funnel mouth and rests on two elegantly curved legs with stylized feet and a third folding, forked rear leg. Above the tripod legs and inkwell, a slender stem supports a candlestick adorned with a floral-shaped drip catcher. Two gracefully curved arms connect the inkwell and candlestick, providing three upwardly curved protrusions that serve as pen rests.

The second example shown boasts three revolving inkwells.