Ca. 11th -12th century AD. A bronze mortar and pestle with a fine patination finish. The mortar is in the form of a bulbous shape tube and a slightly flared rim. The main body is decorated with two bands of lotus buds protrusions, which are alternated with roundels consisting of zoomorphic depictions. The pestle is formed with a knobbed handle and a long cylindrical shaft with a rounded base. This object was most likely a utilitarian object used in the kitchen for the preparation of food or possibly by a physician, skilfully mixing medicines and preparing substances for the healing of the ill. For a similar example, see The Louvre Museum, Main number: MAO 2107a. Size: 160mm x 110mm ; Weight: 410g Provenance: Private London family collection; formed between 1970-2008.