Mortar and pestle - Lignum Vitae

This wooden mortar and pestle is probably made of lignum vitae, a very dense and heavy wood.

Lignum vitae was often used for this kind of instrument due to its hardness and resistance to wear.

The mortar and pestle, shown in the style of the photos, with ring-shaped decorations and a cast form, often date from the late 17th or 18th century.

Mortars were used for grinding herbs and ingredients in both domestic and apothecary environments.

The mortar and pestle are sold as shown. No restoration was performed while they were in family ownership. Neither the mortar nor the pestle show substantial damage. These are antique objects and any deviation from the original condition arose from their use over the centuries. Our family no longer used the mortar and pestle and have used them purely as decorative objects.

The length of the pestle is close to 30 centimeters.

Shipped with care.