Lot 514 Dα

An important Islamic mortar

Chased cast bronze with copper and silver damascening and remnants of red pigment. Of cylindrical form with slightly flaring upper and lower rims of octagonal section. Decorated with eight vertical panels of decor with birds and stylised leaf and lotus bud motifs. The rims with calligraphic inscriptions. Repairs over two casting faults to the base, some slight greenish corrosion and sinter. H 11.7, D 16.9 cm. Weight c. 3.7 kg. Includes pestle.
Attributed to Khorasan/Iran, 12th - 13th century.