Lot 515 Dα

A magnificent mortar with sphinx motifs

Chased cast bronze with silver damascening and minor remnants of red pigment. Of cylindrical form with narrow flaring upper rim and slightly wider lower rim. Decorated with five raised triangular bosses alternating with sphinx cartouches. With densely chased bands of horizontal knot motifs, filled circles and calligraphic inscriptions with anthropomorphic elements. Some minor breakages to the lower rim, a small dent with a crack to the base, the interior sintered. H 15.7, D 19.2 cm. Weight c. 9.3 kg.
South Eastern Turkey, 13th century.