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Mortar and Pestle made for Abu Bakr 'Ali Malikzad al-Tabrizi

late 12th–early 13th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
Two of the medallions on this mortar show Jauzahr, the fictitious eighth planet believed responsible for the eclipse of the sun and the moon. Although described in texts as a dragon monster, Jauzahr is depicted here as a seated figure flanked by snakes with dragon heads.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mortar and Pestle made for Abu Bakr 'Ali Malikzad al-Tabrizi
  • Date: late 12th–early 13th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran
  • Medium: Bronze; inlaid with silver and black compound
  • Dimensions: Mortar: 91.1.527a
    H. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm)
    Diam. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)
    Pestle: 91.1.527b
    H. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm)
    Diam. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)
  • Classification: Metal
  • Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
  • Object Number: 91.1.527a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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