Bidspirit auction | Cast Bronze Bowl/Mortar, Near Eastern

Cast Bronze Bowl/Mortar, Near Eastern Iran or Afghanistan - This is cast bronze mortar is a significant historical object, likely originating from Eastern Iran or Afghanistan during the 12th century. It features intricate relief carvings around its exterior, which traditionally served functional and symbolic purposes in apothecary and medicinal preparation. Origin & Period: Stylistically consistent from Eastern Iran or Afghanistan, often associated with the Ghaznavid or Ghurid dynasties. Cast bronze, sometimes inlaid with materials like copper. The exterior is decorated with figures in relief, including: Buddhas: Central seated figures, often depicted in meditative poses, reflecting the region's complex religious history where Buddhism and local traditions intermingled. Tigers/Animals: The handles or exterior figures often take zoomorphic forms like tigers, which were emblems of strength and power. While similar in shape to kitchen tools, these ornate bronze mortars were primarily used for grinding herbs and ingredients for drugs and balms rather than food. Size: 11.8 cm DIA X 7 CM H