Bidspirit auction | An Islamic? Early 20th Century?

An Islamic? Early 20th Century? Engraved Brass? Mortar and Pestle Set. - A Middle Eastern? brass? mortar and matching pestle set of cast construction featuring elaborate hand-engraved decoration. The mortar is of waisted cylindrical form, terminating in an eight-pointed scalloped rim. The exterior is decorated with vertical panels featuring alternating fish-scale imbricated patterns and stylised foliate scrolls, bordered by a band of engraved calligraphic script positioned just below the rim. The matching pestle is of traditional baluster form with flared ends and a central grip, decorated with coordinating foliate motifs and bands of calligraphic script. The underside of the mortar base bears a hand-incised inscription in Arabic numerals reading ١٣٤٩, which corresponds to the Hijri year 1349. Height: 10.5 cm Length: 22.5 cm.