Mortar and Pestle

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Mortar and Pestle

Iran or Afghanistan, probably Khurasan, early 13th century
Sculpture
Bronze, engraved
a) Mortar: 5 5/8 in. x 8 in. (14.25 x 20.25 cm); b) Pestle: 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)
The Nasli M. Heeramaneck Collection, gift of Joan Palevsky (M.73.5.264a-b)
Art of the Middle East: Islamic and Contemporary
Currently on public view:
Resnick Pavilion, floor 1 MAP IT
Resnick Pavilion, floor 1

Since gallery displays may change often, please contact us before you visit to make certain this item is on view.

Curator Notes

The brass mortar and pestle were implements commonly used to grind spices and minerals in medieval Muslim society....
The brass mortar and pestle were implements commonly used to grind spices and minerals in medieval Muslim society. A household tool for the preparation of food, the mortar and pestle also served alchemists and pharmacists; in fact it became closely associated with the latter profession, as depicted in Islamic manuscripts such as Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica, a guide to medicinal plants. This mortar and pestle is a rare surviving set due to its extensive decoration and excellent condition. Pseudo-Kufic designs surround the eight-sided vessel, as well as ornamental cartouches and engraved hares. .
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Bibliography

  • Lo Terrenal y lo Divino: Arte Islámico siglos VII al XIX Colección del Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Ángeles. Santiago: Centro Cultural La Moneda, 2015.

  • Komaroff, Linda, editor. Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art; New York: DelMonico Books, 2023.

  • Lo Terrenal y lo Divino: Arte Islámico siglos VII al XIX Colección del Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Ángeles. Santiago: Centro Cultural La Moneda, 2015.

  • Komaroff, Linda, editor. Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art; New York: DelMonico Books, 2023.
  • Pal, Pratapaditya, ed.  Islamic Art:  The Nasli M. Heeramaneck Collection.  Los Angeles:  Museum Associates, 1973.
  • Canby, Sheila R., Deniz Beyazit, Martina Rugiadi, and A.C.S. Peacock. Court and Cosmos: The Great Age of the Seljuqs. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2016.
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