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Mortar

This mortar would have been used to grind and mix ingredients for medicines and food. Metal mortars of this type are often referred to as Spanish or Islamic, as there are large numbers of examples known from Spain and Portugal. The form of these vessels changed little between the eleventh to sixteenth centuries, making dating sometimes difficult.

This object is on display

Object type: Medical and First Aid Equipment
Date: Production: 1100 - 1500
Subject(s): Bearers of the Cross
Hospitals
Medicine
Dimensions: Height: 125mm
Diameter: 170mm
Materials and technique: Cast bronze
References: Bofill, Francisco. Catálogo de los Almireces Colección Palacio de Perelada. Biblioteca Palacio Perelada, 1967.

Lewis, J. M. "A Medieval Brass Mortar from South Wales and its Affinities." The Antiquaries Journal 64 (1984), 326-336.

Mossman, Stephen and Rebecca Raven. "Episode 6: The Donors." Museum of the Order of St John: Off the Shelves at St John's Gate. Podcast audio. June 17, 2024. Accessed July 30, 2025. https://museumstjohn.org.uk/off-the-shelves-at-st-johns-gate-a-podcast-series/
Exhibition history: Science and Technology in Islam, World of Islam Festival, Science Museum, 1976
Catalogue number: 5682