General Antiques and Collectibles Spring Auction
Lot 42:
Description
C-15506
This large, footed mortar and pestle set is turned from hardwood and features sharply defined bands and a gently flared profile. Designed for grinding herbs, roots, and medicinal compounds, pieces like this were a staple of 19th- and early 20th-century pharmacies and home apothecaries. The form and weight allowed for steady grinding, while the elevated base kept contents away from contaminants on work surfaces. Wooden mortars of this style were commonly produced in the United States and Europe in the mid-to-late 1800s, often used before glass and porcelain became more widely available in clinical settings.
Pestle shows wear from use with a smooth, darkened finish. Minor scuffs and surface wear to the mortar, with a warm, even patina overall.
10.5" H x 6" Dia (including pestle)
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