Lot 513 Dα

An Islamic mortar

Gold toned cast bronze with copper inlays and engraved decoration, remnants of red pigment, localised verdigris. Cylindrical mortar with broad, flat rim and foot. Decorated with three rows of four relief motifs (droplets alternating with rhombi) amid engraved bands of calligraphy. The upper rim with six round medallions inlaid with copper alternating with six inscribed cartouches. The lower rim with four inscribed cartouches alternating with four smaller round medallions. Some calcific deposits to the interior. H 14.7, D 21.5 cm, weight c. 5.7 kg.
Attributed to Khorasan / Iran, 12th - 13th C.