A group of six bronze mortars and two pestles, Persia and Spain, circa 12th century

four of cylindrical form with slightly flared rims and raised bosses of oval and triangular form, one with two protruding handles, two with engraved calligraphic inscriptions around the rim and one on the bottom, two further mortars of octagonal form with flat everted calligraphic rims, one with panels enclosing calligraphy and animals, the other with tear-form motifs enclosing birds, suspension loop, with two pestles

One mortar exhibited:
La Médecine au Temps des Califes, Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, 18 November 1996-2 March 1997.
On loan to the Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, 1998-2014. 

One mortar published:
La Médecine au Temps des Califes, Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, 18 November 1996-2 March 1997, p.135.

All in fair overall condition, all with surface patination and oxdisation, dents, knocks and scratches, decoration rubbed, one with 14cm crack to lower section, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions

Around the rim of the larger one, repeat of: al-daw[la] ‘Wealth’

In the cartouches: Repeat of the words bi’l-yumn wa al-dawlah wa ‘With Good-fortune and Wealth’

Around the rim of the smaller one, repeat of: al-birr wa ‘Piety and’