Mortar

Unknown

12th–13th century · Bronze; cast and engraved, inlaid with copper · Islamic Art

The drop-shaped as well as the square bosses in high relief give this mortar a bold and powerful appearance while the arabesques incised within the sections framed by inlaid copper lines prelude to the complex yet delicate surface decoration of later times. The inscriptional band wishes "prosperity and satisfaction and peace and happiness and blessings and long life to the owner".

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th–13th century

Medium

Bronze; cast and engraved, inlaid with copper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1971