European antique bronze mortar and pestle.

European antique bronze mortar and pestle with heraldic decoration to the side. This solid bronze mortar comes complete with it's original pestle and showing a strong patina from both age and use. We believe this piece to date to the 17th century and to originate from Spain. A fabulous piece of European social history when mortar and pestles were in common use and made in both small and larger forms. The larger ones were mainly used for crushing and grinding more fibrous and bulk materials, the smaller ones were used for fine powders. The mortar was not only the apothecary symbol, but also one of their earliest tools. Pestle and mortars were used both in the apothecary and in the home. The bronze mortars were used during the 12th - 18th centuries and then became less popular as cheaper materials such as porcelain were introduced.

Not just a collector's piece, this wonderful unique antique, which was around at the time of King Louis XIV, the building of Versaille, the Baroque century and the civil war in England, is perfect as a display piece. Pieces like this are a tangible connection to the past.

Condition: There is a slight wave and 2 small chips to the rim and verdi gris present inside the bowl, commensurate with the age.

Dimensions Approx: Height 7 cm, Width 10 cm, Weight 1.18 kg Shipping includes tracking

All our items are vintage or antique and so have been loved and used in the past. You can expect to see minor signs of use on all items, but we will endeavor to point out any condition issues which we feel go beyond normal wear and tear.