On the outer band of the lid: ‘… the most splendid, the learned, … light of religion, the helper of Islam, … the Sultan of the Sultans of kingdom, the honour of kingdom, the chosen of kings, the pride of the eminences, … of Khurasan Abu’l-Ma’ali Mawdud ibn Ahmad al-‘Asami …’ On the inner band of the lid: ‘The work of … Abu’l-Sa’d(?) … Shaburi’ Inside: ‘Good fortune and piety and / and blessing and / and blessing’

The large proportions, elaborate engraving and extensive inlay make this inkwell one of the finest examples of its kind. The main body is densely inlaid with silver forming intricate geometrical interlacing motifs, on a densely engraved ground decorated with scrolls, birds, and hares running around the lid. Remains of copper inlay are still visible on the lid and the outer borders on the main body and marks on its base shows that it might originally have been raised on three feet.

An ode by Anwari (d.1189) is dedicated to Amir al-‘Adil Mawdud ibn Ahmad al-‘Asami, who seems likely to have been the nobleman to whom this inkwell is inscribed to.

A comparable to this inkwell is another example sold in these rooms, 26 April 2005, lot 89, now in the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, inv. no.AKM605, which shows a similar quality of inlay but does not bear a signature or a dedication.