A QAJARLACQUERED PAPIER-MÂCHÉ PEN CASE (QALAMDAN) Iran, 19th century With rounded ends and sliding tray, the top painted with riders, possibly Rustam and Esfandiar, surrounded by troops, in hand-to-hand combat, the sides and ends with a hunt narrative in consequent frames, culminating with a hunter attacked by a young lion, the scenes framed by elaborate decoration in illumination-style, the underside and tray with gilt birds and scrolling tendrils against red ground, 23.3cm x 4.3cm x 3.5cm, in fitted green velvet pouch edged with metal thread frogging.