Lot 507 Dα

An Islamic mortar

Golden yellow cast bronze with engravings and copper damascene. Black flecked natural patina. Of tapering form, decorated with two rows of lotus buds in relief and a large, finely engraved band of calligraphy in naskh that reads: "Al-‘izz wa-l-Iqbal wa-l-dawla wa-l-karama wa-l-baqa‘ li-sahibihi" (strength, fortune, power, renown and longevity to its owner). With some minor dents to the rim. H 11.5, D 13.3 cm, weight c. 3.3 kg.
Attributed to Iran, 12th - 13th C.