- Title
- Mortar and Pestle
- Date Made
- early 13th century
- Medium
- Bronze, engraved
- Dimensions
- a) Mortar: 5 5/8 in. x 8 in. (14.25 x 20.25 cm); b) Pestle: 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)
- Accession Number
- M.73.5.264a-b
- Collecting Area
- Art of the Middle East: Islamic
- Curatorial Notes
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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