Antique 18th Century Tibetan Buddhist Gilded Iron Lama's Pen Case Derge 1700

A fine & unusally large antique Tibetan gilded iron pen case, circa 1700.The cylindrical pen case in two parts & made from gilded iron, with finely pierced openwork and engraved decoration. At each end is a stylized bulbous shaped lotus blossom finial, both the the short end & long end having skillfully engraved openwork with foliate & dragon decoration. The pencase having two loops to receive a cord so the case could be hung from a sash or belt, the case is of unusually large size at 24.5" in length. Origin, Derge, Eastern Tibet.Condition is very good indeed, the metal has a warm mellow patina.Provenance, From a prominent collection of Asian Art, San Francisco, California