Mortar

12th century

Not on view

The function of this type of metal objects, with their hemispherical cup and the long, narrow spout, is not clear. They may have been used either in jewelry-making, to melt precious metals and flow them into molds; or, in the preparation of cosmetics, to crush kohl or similar substances and pour them into narrow-necked toilet flasks.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Mortar
Date: 12th century
Geography: Attributed to Iran
Medium: Bronze; cast and engraved
Dimensions: H. 7 3/16 in. (18.3 cm)
W. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
D. 1 7/16 in. (3.7 cm)
Wt. 8.4 oz. (238.2 g)
Classification: Metal
Credit Line: Anonymous Gift, 1974
Object Number: 1974.370.1
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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