Lot 502 Dα

A rare Sanskrit mortar

Cast and chased bronze with remnants of red pigment. Cylindrical form with protruding upper rim. Decorated with teardrop relief motifs in two registers alternating with medallions with engraved busts. The lower section with a border of foliate scrolls, the upper with a calligraphic inscription. Minor rust and greenish corrosion. H 11, D 13.9 cm. Weight c. 3.1 kg.
Attributed to Khorasan, probably 10th century.