A fine polychrome lacquer papier-mâché pen case (Qalamdan), signed by Najaf 'Ali, Qajar, Iran, mid 19th century, with rounded ends and sliding tray, the top painted with a vertical composition of the Holy Family, a building behind with an angel flying above and a small bird and figure crouching in prayer below, signed in the sky ya shah-i Najaf, the sides with gul-o-bulbul design interrupted by four portrait roundels, the sides of the red sliding tray with gold scrolling vine, 22.1cm long Provenance: Christies, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 6th October 2011, lot 272 and by family descent. | Condition Report: small areas of repainting Condition Report Disclaimer