Uploaded August 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
The University of Michigan’s Michelle Al-Ferzly investigates the multiple purposes of silver-inlaid bronze inkwell in the Museum’s Collection. This 800-year-old Iranian marvel is engraved with a list of blessings and symbols representing the 12 signs of the zodiac — suggesting that the inkwell was much more than just a useful instrument in a medieval scribe’s toolkit.
To learn more about this object in the Museum's Collection (accession number): agakhanmuseum.org/collection/artifact/inkwell-akm605
The Museum’s Peer Perspective series features fascinating commentary and little-known facts from globally recognized scholars who have helped us open new windows onto the masterworks in our Collection.
Bringing online Museum experiences to you is part of our mission to connect cultures and promote understanding between peoples. To learn more about how you can support the Museum by making a donation or becoming a Friend or Patron, please visit: agakhanmuseum.org/support
The University of Michigan’s Michelle Al-Ferzly investigates the multiple purposes of silver-inlaid bronze inkwell in the Museum’s Collection. This 800-year-old Iranian marvel is engraved with a list of blessings and symbols representing the 12 signs of the zodiac — suggesting that the inkwell was much more than just a useful instrument in a medieval scribe’s toolkit.
To learn more about this object in the Museum's Collection (accession number): agakhanmuseum.org/collection/artifact/inkwell-akm605
The Museum’s Peer Perspective series features fascinating commentary and little-known facts from globally recognized scholars who have helped us open new windows onto the masterworks in our Collection.
Bringing online Museum experiences to you is part of our mission to connect cultures and promote understanding between peoples. To learn more about how you can support the Museum by making a donation or becoming a Friend or Patron, please visit: agakhanmuseum.org/support
