A mortar with zoomorphic handles - image-1

Lot 522 Dα

A mortar with zoomorphic handles

Auction 1196 - overview Cologne
20.05.2022, 10:00 - Decorative Arts incl. Highly Important Mortars the Schwarzach Collection Part IV.
Estimate: 1.500 € - 2.000 €
Result: 2.000 € (incl. premium)

A mortar with zoomorphic handles

Engraved cast bronze with interesting patina due to the rudimentary use of red pigment and verdigris. Of octagonal section with protruding base and rim. Decorated with rhomboid reliefs, the handles formed as large cats holding rings. The base slightly concave due to usage. H 15.9, D 21 cm, includes pestle, weight with pestle c. 10.6 kg.
Khorasan, 11th - 13th C.

We would like to thank Dr. Verena Daiber (researcher on Islamic art history and Arab studies and curator or the Bumiller Art Foundation in Bamberg) for her kind help in dating this piece.

Provenance

Archaeological find, Afghanistan.

Literature

Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, acc. no. 07.208.