Qalamdan pencil box decorated with figures, Iran qâjâr, 19th century Oblong papier-mâché pen box with painted, gilded and lacquered decoration depicting on the top a couple in a landscape from which a human head emerges, the sides adorned with a horseman in a landscape framed by two portraits in oval medallions, mountain landscapes painted on the ends. Length: 23.5 cm Chips, small missing parts, pencil box glazed over. A Qajar Lacquered Papier-mâché Qalamdan with Figures, Iran, 19th century

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.