Lot 512 Dα

An important Islamic mortar

Chased cast bronze with silver and copper damascening. Of cylindrical form with flaring upper and lower rims. Decorated with horizontal bands of decor surrounding two moulded ribs. The lower section with eleven cartouches depicting horsemen and kneeling and seated men amid tendrils, in the upper section calligraphic inscriptions with anthropomorphic motifs. Four disc motifs along the lower border connected via bands and woven cords. The upper border with geometric stylised calligraphy. An elongated breakage to the edge of the base rounded due to usage, some minor breakages to the upper rim, the interior sintered, some greenish corrosion. H 14.6, D 19.9 cm. Weight c. 7.8 kg.
Attributed to Khorasan/Eastern Iran or Afghanistan, around 12th - 13th century.