Circa 1100 AD A bronze mortar and pestle with fine patination finish. The mortar is in the form of a bulbous shape tube and stepped-in foot. The conical shaped body is decorated with two bands of almond shaped bosses, which are stagger at different heights. The pestle is formed with a knobbed handle, a long cylindrical shaft with a rounded linear base. This object was most likely a utilitarian object used in the kitchen for preparation of food or possibly by a physician, skilfully mixing medicines and preparing substances for the healing of the ill. For similar see Christie’s October 26, 2007, Lot 205. Size: Set of 2: L:130mm, 240mm / W:52mm, 140mm; 5.5kg Provenance: Private London Collection of M.A; formerly acquired in the 1980s on the UK Art market.