Mortar - Marble, Wood - Marble mortar

Genovese Mortar in White Marble with Wooden Pestle – Italy, late 19th / early 20th century.
Refined and authentic ancient mortar in white marble, classic artisanal Italian craftsmanship of the Ligurian tradition (Genovese style), datable to the end of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century. The piece has been carved from a single block of natural stone, as evidenced by the warm grain and the historical marks of mechanical cutting and planing visible on the rough bottom base. It features the four characteristic projecting lobes ("ears") arranged in a symmetric cross, historically used to lock the utensil into kitchen benches. A piece of great charm, ideal for folk-art collectors, lovers of rustic antiques, or as an exclusive decorative element for historic kitchens. The lot includes its original hard wooden pestle turned on the lathe, coeval with the mortar, characterized by decorative incised lines on the handle and circular usage marks on the head.
Material: Natural white marble / Turned hard wood
Era: End of the 19th century – Early 20th century (circa 1880-1920)
Origin: Italy (Ligurian/Genovese tradition)
Mortar dimensions: External diameter 24 cm | Height 13 cm
Pestle length: 24 cm
Total weight: 4,934 grams (4.73 kg)
Mortar 4732 g
Pestle 202 g
Conditions
Mortar: In good vintage-conservation condition. Solid structure and free of cracks or structural breaks. Presents a beautiful patina of use with natural yellowing and stains due to absorption of culinary oils over time. There are slight and normal signs of wear, rounded edges from time, and micro-chips on the edges of the ears (all visible in the photos).
Pestle: Shows a conspicuous but stable longitudinal shrinkage crack on the semispherical head, due to natural aging of the wood. The piece remains rigid, but it is noted for accuracy.
Please carefully examine the photographic gallery, which constitutes an integral part of the description, to assess the real condition of the lot.