Islamic Bronze Mortar With Kufic Inscription – Mamluk Or Syria, 13th–15th Century

Islamic bronze mortar with Kufic inscription – Mamluk or Syria, 13th–15th century

Important cylindrical bronze mortar with a wide collar and flared base, richly decorated with a raised calligraphic frieze running around the entire upper and lower rim. The inscriptions are written in the flowery Kufic style, typical of the prestige production of Mamluk or Levantine workshops.

Description

The body features geometric and arabesque motifs, including floral triangles, stylized drops, and interlaced knots, evoking the votive and symbolic decorations of classical Islamic art.
The inscription, partially deciphered, bears a blessing formula:
“العز والنصر والدوام والملك لله وحده” “Glory, victory, permanence, and royalty belong to God alone.”

This type of mortar, used to grind spices or medicinal substances, is also an object of status, sometimes offered as a diplomatic gift or used in a semi-liturgical context. The strong green patina, the interior wear and the quality of the decoration reinforce the hypothesis of an authentic object of the period.

Provenance: Private collection, Europe.

Dimension Cast bronze engraved weight 6.4 KG – H. 15 cm X D. 19 cm

Condition:

Good general condition with traces of use and old stabilized crack.

Comparable references:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, inv. 1975.268
Musée du Louvre, Département des Arts de l’Islam

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