Lot 508 Dα

A rare mortar with zoomorphic mascarons

Chased cast bronze, silver damascening and red pigment. Of cylindrical form with protruding upper rim. Decorated with two rows of six facing bird's head mascarons alternating with knot motifs, a calligraphic inscription to the upper border and foliate motifs to the lower border. The base with an engraved medallion with two facing birds surrounded by a meander motif. Slight sintering and greenish corrosion. H 11.3, D 13.3 cm. Weight c. 4.2 kg.
Attributed to Khorasan/Iran, 12th - 13th century.