Flag of AfghanistanIslamic ArtMetallate 12th century

Inkwell of 'Ali b. Muhammad, Chief Delegate of State in Charge of the Royal Household; with Depictions of a State Official in the Act of Writing or Accounting is a metal from Afghanistan created in late 12th century using bronze; cast, hammered, engraved, chased, inlaid with silver and copper measuring Height: 4 1/2 in. (11.5 cm) Diameter: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm) — now part of the Islamic Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumBronze; cast, hammered, engraved, chased, inlaid with silver and copper
DimensionsHeight: 4 1/2 in. (11.5 cm) Diameter: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
ClassificationMetal
DepartmentIslamic Art
Credit LineOn loan from the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada (972.10.1-3)
Datelate 12th century

Historical Context

Geography

Origin: Afghanistan. Flag of Afghanistan

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Inkwell of 'Ali b. Muhammad, Chief Delegate of State in Charge of the Royal Household; with Depictions of a State Official in the Act of Writing or Accounting?

Inkwell of 'Ali b. Muhammad, Chief Delegate of State in Charge of the Royal Household; with Depictions of a State Official in the Act of Writing or Accounting is housed in the Islamic Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Inkwell of 'Ali b. Muhammad, Chief Delegate of State in Charge of the Royal Household; with Depictions of a State Official in the Act of Writing or Accounting created?

Inkwell of 'Ali b. Muhammad, Chief Delegate of State in Charge of the Royal Household; with Depictions of a State Official in the Act of Writing or Accounting dates to late 12th century.

What material is Inkwell of 'Ali b. Muhammad, Chief Delegate of State in Charge of the Royal Household; with Depictions of a State Official in the Act of Writing or Accounting made from?

Inkwell of 'Ali b. Muhammad, Chief Delegate of State in Charge of the Royal Household; with Depictions of a State Official in the Act of Writing or Accounting is crafted from bronze; cast, hammered, engraved, chased, inlaid with silver and copper.

Where does Inkwell of 'Ali b. Muhammad, Chief Delegate of State in Charge of the Royal Household; with Depictions of a State Official in the Act of Writing or Accounting originate?

Inkwell of 'Ali b. Muhammad, Chief Delegate of State in Charge of the Royal Household; with Depictions of a State Official in the Act of Writing or Accounting originates from Afghanistan.

Is Inkwell of 'Ali b. Muhammad, Chief Delegate of State in Charge of the Royal Household; with Depictions of a State Official in the Act of Writing or Accounting in the public domain?

Inkwell of 'Ali b. Muhammad, Chief Delegate of State in Charge of the Royal Household; with Depictions of a State Official in the Act of Writing or Accounting is not in the public domain; rights and reproduction restrictions may apply.

Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026

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