Silver inlaid brass Seljuk Inkwell

Exterior of the Body:
The body is composed of several circles containing images of the Seljuk state’s princes, as well as “Nizam al-Mulk Abu Shuja’ Alb Arslan”. Surrounding these circles are winged and predatory birds, with roses, flowers, and jasmine encircling the princes within the circles.

The exterior of the Lid:
The lid is decorated with a band of predatory birds. At the top, four circles contain four princes, surrounded by a group of wild beasts both above and below them.

Interior of the Lid and Body:
In the center of the lid sits Nizam al-Mulk Abu Shuja’ Alb Arslan. The body features four openings for ink and quills. On the lid of the largest cavity, the Sultan sits, surrounded by his two brothers and the heads of wild beasts, symbolizing strength. Also featured is Nizam al-Mulk within a circle, sitting on 2 lions, encircled by leaf motifs on both sides, with wild beasts on either side of him.

Inside the large cavity, the Sultan is surrounded by the heads of wild beasts, with a band of predatory birds decorating the exterior. Within the largest opening, the Sultan is seated, holding the tail of a serpent, with birds and wild beast heads surrounding him, indicating power. The Sultan is also accompanied by a group of knights holding hands, with Arabic calligraphy emerging from their legs.

Inside, there are small domes adorned with flowers. Another cover next to the small domes features two winged lions, with a group of knights inside, greeting the Sultan. The knights’ legs are twisted into Arabic script at the bottom, inscribed with: “Our Lord, the King, the Supported, the Devout, the Victorious, the Protected, the Sultan.” The small opening is decorated with a group of knights intertwining hands and legs, with Arabic calligraphy emerging from their legs, and predatory birds below.

The Bottom:
The bottom is adorned with the Sultan, accompanied by four princes, surrounded by motifs resembling inscriptions. Two lion guardians hold spears with their hands.