An Islamic mortar - image-1
An Islamic mortar - image-2
An Islamic mortar - image-1An Islamic mortar - image-2

Lot 517 Dα

An Islamic mortar

Auction 1174 - overview Cologne
04.06.2021, 10:00 - Highly Important Mortars from the Schwarzach Collection III
Estimate: 2.000 € - 3.000 €
Result: 2.250 € (incl. premium)
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An Islamic mortar

Engraved cast bronze with remnants of red pigment, some verdigris due to corrosion. Of octagonal section with protruding tiered upper and lower rims. The facets decorated with alternating lotus bud and bird motifs in niches. The borders with bands of calligraphy. Minor losses to the upper edge. H 13, D 15.5 cm, weight c. 3.7 kg. The corresponding tapering pestle with a rounded grip. L 20.3 cm.
North Western Afghanistan or Iran, 13th C.

Provenance

Archaeological find, Herat, North Western Afghanistan.

Literature

Cf. a similar mortar in the Victoria and Albert Museum London, acc. no. M.111-1929.
Cf. Melikian-Chirvani, Islamic Metalwork from the Iranian World, London 1982. p. 110 f.