Mortar and Pestle made for Abu Bakr 'Ali Malikzad al-Tabrizi

Unknown

late 12th–early 13th century · Bronze; inlaid with silver and black compound · Islamic Art

Two of the medallions on this mortar show Jauzahr, the fictitious eighth planet believed responsible for the eclipse of the sun and the moon. Although described in texts as a dragon monster, Jauzahr is depicted here as a seated figure flanked by snakes with dragon heads.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 12th–early 13th century

Medium

Bronze; inlaid with silver and black compound

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891