Mortar and pestle (2) - Patinated bronze
04
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23
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52
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Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Paul Wullems
He accumulated 18 years' experience, worked as junior specialist at Sotheby’s and managed Kunsthandel Jacques Fijnaut.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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A 17th‑century bronze mortar with its original pestle, richly decorated with mascarons and traces of fire gilding, in reasonable condition with heavy use and possibly missing small parts.
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Description from the seller
Stunning 17th-Century Bronze Mortar with Original Pestle – Richly Decorated with Lion Masks and Remnants of Fire-Gilding.
An authentic, early 17th-century bronze mortar of high quality, complete with the original, perfectly fitting pestle.
This beautiful ensemble is an excellent example of "Haute Époque" metalwork from the Low Countries or Southern Netherlands.
The mortar is decorated all around with classical lion masks (mascarons) separated by vertical ribs.
What makes this piece exceptional and rare are the evident traces of original fire-gilding in the deeper parts of the decoration and around the base. This indicates that the mortar was originally produced as a luxurious showpiece or status object for a wealthy apothecary, guild, or institution.
The pestle undeniably belongs with the mortar: the profiled rings align exactly with the broad rim of the mortar and the bulge of the head fits seamlessly into the hollow of the base. The piece displays a splendid, honest dark-brown patina with natural wear that confirms its great age and authenticity.
There are no casting marks or inscriptions; the organic texture and small casting imperfections testify to the authentic, artisanal sand-casting process from that period.
A superb object with a very clear and prolonged resonance when struck.
Specifications:
Total weight: 1.6 kg
Pestle: L 19.5 cm
Mortar: H 8.5 cm, W foot 8 cm, Top 13 cm
Period: 17th century (ca. 1620-1660)
Material: Bronze with historical traces of fire-gilding
Decoration: Lion heads / Mascarons
Condition: In excellent, original state with a beautiful historical patina. No cracks or restorations.
Completeness: Includes the original, perfectly fitting pestle (original ensemble).
Global shipping available.
Stunning 17th-Century Bronze Mortar with Original Pestle – Richly Decorated with Lion Masks and Remnants of Fire-Gilding.
An authentic, early 17th-century bronze mortar of high quality, complete with the original, perfectly fitting pestle.
This beautiful ensemble is an excellent example of "Haute Époque" metalwork from the Low Countries or Southern Netherlands.
The mortar is decorated all around with classical lion masks (mascarons) separated by vertical ribs.
What makes this piece exceptional and rare are the evident traces of original fire-gilding in the deeper parts of the decoration and around the base. This indicates that the mortar was originally produced as a luxurious showpiece or status object for a wealthy apothecary, guild, or institution.
The pestle undeniably belongs with the mortar: the profiled rings align exactly with the broad rim of the mortar and the bulge of the head fits seamlessly into the hollow of the base. The piece displays a splendid, honest dark-brown patina with natural wear that confirms its great age and authenticity.
There are no casting marks or inscriptions; the organic texture and small casting imperfections testify to the authentic, artisanal sand-casting process from that period.
A superb object with a very clear and prolonged resonance when struck.
Specifications:
Total weight: 1.6 kg
Pestle: L 19.5 cm
Mortar: H 8.5 cm, W foot 8 cm, Top 13 cm
Period: 17th century (ca. 1620-1660)
Material: Bronze with historical traces of fire-gilding
Decoration: Lion heads / Mascarons
Condition: In excellent, original state with a beautiful historical patina. No cracks or restorations.
Completeness: Includes the original, perfectly fitting pestle (original ensemble).
Global shipping available.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Weight
1.6 kg
Bronze type
Patinated bronze
Over 200 years old
Yes
No. of items
2
Country of origin
France
Material
Bronze
Colour
Bronze
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
Height
8.5 cm
Width
13 cm
Depth
0 cm
Estimated period
17th century
