Persia, Qajar, around 1860, length 24.2 cm. Lacquered gilt and polychrome paint paper-maché. Elongated oval form with sliding tray. Signed: raqam-e Ja‘far-e Najaf ‘Ali (son of the famous lacquer painter Najaf ‘Ali). With depictions of a gathering around orthodox priests on the top panel and Sheykh Sa'nan and the Christian maid on the sides. Inscribed with eight verses in tarji-band of Hatef Esfahani, and Farid al-Din 'Attar from the story of Sheykh San'an. Minor chips and retouching. Compare two pencases by Mohammad Esma’il in: Khalili, Lacquer of the Islamic Lands. London 1996-97: vol. II, p. 67 and 68, dated 1274 H. (1857/58 AD) and 1276 H. (1859/60 AD), as well as pencases sold at Christie's London April 22 2013 lot 201; Christie's London April 26 2005 lot 203; Christie's London April 26 2012 lot 204; Christie's London October 7 2013 lot 165.