A Seljuk bronze Mortar and Pestle
Persia, 11th/ 12th Century:
the mortar of cylindrical form with flattened rim
and
flared foot, tapering body with applied bosses of
ovoid form, the pestle of flaring elongated form
with ribbed handle and bulbous finial.
Bronze mortars were unknown to the cultures of
the
Mediterranean area and the Middle East in pre-
Islamic times and were probably developed in
Persia
in the 10th century as copies of cruder stone
prototypes. Mortars were used for pounding small
amounts of food, such as spices or herbs in
cookery,
and were also an important item of alchemical
and
pharmaceutical equipment.
JB.1173. Mortar and pestle, cast bronze with
engraved decoration. The cylindrical body has a
flat
base and is decorated by series of almond-
shaped
elements in high relief, alternately turned up and
down and at their peaks engraved trefoils are
attached. A narrow band with geometric scroll
runs
around the base, while on top, below the rim in a
narrow register a meandering leafy scroll runs
around. A matching pestle is attached.
Iran or Central Asia, 12th – 13th century.
Prof. Geza Fehervari
Prof. Geoffrey King
- (JB.1173)
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