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Mortar

900–950
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304
Probably intended for medicinal or cosmetic use, this mortar employs a decorative vocabulary that was inspired by eastern motifs and was probably transmitted to the West through textile designs.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mortar
  • Date: 900–950
  • Culture: Syrian (?)
  • Medium: Elephant ivory
  • Dimensions: Overall: 2 13/16 x 4 3/16 x 3 3/8 in. (7.1 x 10.7 x 8.6 cm)
  • Classification: Ivories-Elephant
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.233
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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