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Cosmetics Mortar

10th–12th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
Objects like this, with a small well, flanged handles and a long horizontal spout, have been theorized to be many different things—from lamps to baby feeders. It seems most likely, however, that the hemispherical body was used for as a mortar for crushing cosmetic materials, which would then have been poured down the spout into small flasks.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Cosmetics Mortar
  • Date: 10th–12th century
  • Geography: Excavated in Iran, Nishapur
  • Medium: Bronze; cast
  • Dimensions: H. 1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm)
    W. 3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm)
    D. 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metal
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1939
  • Object Number: 39.40.100
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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