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A Rare Islamic Large Porphyry Mortar

About the Item

A Rare Islamic Large Porphyry Mortar With ‘stylised’ lobes and pouring spout Old fissures and break Porphyry, iron ring to base Egypt 13th / 14th Century SIZE: 18cm high, 32.5cm dia. (max) - 7 ins high, 12½ ins dia. PROVENANCE: Purchased Italy 2011 Ex Private collection Virtually every piece of porphyry was quarried by convicts and slaves from the Egyptian eastern desert at Gebel Dokhan. The quarries were opened in the early 1st century AD and worked until the 5th century AD. They were most actively worked under the Roman Emperors Nero, Trajan and Hadrian. The Emperors reserved the colour purple for their own use and so porphyry and the Egyptian quarries became their exclusive Roman Imperial property. Islamic carved mortar was probably carved in Egypt from an earlier mined or worked block.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7 in (17.78 cm)Width: 14 in (35.56 cm)Depth: 14 in (35.56 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Porphyry
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    13th / 14th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9363236847842
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