Spain or Persia 15th century; These mortars are witness to the Arab invasions of southern Europe and the Moorish influences on European decorative arts.

2 wider fins are pierced and one has kept its ring allowing the mortar to hang it. These mortars have most of the time only one ring and it is not sure that they had a second one when they were created.

The bottom is very rounded, witness to its frequent and daily use over centuries. Note a slight drilling of the formerly blocked convex bottom which has made it possible to extend its use over time.

Hight about 5 inches

Diameter 4 inches

Weight 8.13 labels

Well engraved

Ex collection Marin Constantin

Information about the collector

Marin was born in Urleta, Prahova County, Romania. He was the founder in 1963 of the Madrigal Chamber Choir [ro] and had been its conductor and director ever since. He was well-known all over the world for his expertise on Renaissance music, Baroque, Gregorian songs and Traditional Romanian music. He was designated a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1992.[3]

In 1971 he was awarded the Order of the Star of the Romanian Socialist Republic, 3rd class.