During the Iron Age, ancient Near Eastern and Cypriot stone vessels served a narrow range of functions, including ritual practices and religious purposes. It is believed that a stone mortar, taking a bowl shape supported by a wide variety of different bases, originated in the Assyrian royal banqueting contexts. These stone vessels, usually accompanied with a pestle, were used on tables to crush and grind aromatic herbs. This technique extended over many ancient cultures and were used for arts, cosmetics and medicines along with for food.
Western Asiatic Carved Basalt Mortar
£500.00
A Western Asiatic carved basalt mortar. The vessel features a slight cylindrical shape with a flared base leading to concave sides and an uneven, flaring rim. A raised horizontal ridge encircles the mortar displayed on the upper section of the body. The vessel sits upon a flat base. The interior is unadorned.
Provenance: From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Condition: Very fine condition, chip to the rim. Some earthly encrustation visible to the surface.
SOLD
Weight | 2925.2 g |
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Dimensions | W 16.5 x H 13.3 cm |
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