Double-Sided Mortar and Pestle

Unknown

17th century · Stone · Islamic Art

This stone mortar and pestle has the imagination and originality of Deccani art. It combines the opposing symbolism of life and death in its design - a miniaturized Muslim tomb is the mortar and a life-giving lingam shape is the pestle. Such ritual and practical objects are associated with shrines and households where medicines and foodstuff were prepared.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Stone

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Josephine L. Berger-Nadler Gift, 2018