Maître I F (1640-1670) Esculape et Hygie - Mortar - Airain - Bronze

Beautiful 17th-century air-bronze mortar with its pestle, which we can attribute to Master I F active from 1640 to 1670 at Le Puy-en-Velay, France. The mortar is adorned with 5 contreforts wrapped with female busts alternating 3 rare oval medals representing Asclepius, and 2 large flowers.

The high-quality cast iron mortar weighs 1.434 kg, with a height of 8.5 cm, a diameter of 12 cm and a base diameter of 7.5 cm. Pestle 19 cm for 479 g. Total 1.913 kg (4.22 pounds).

The combination of female busts and the Asclepius medal creates a perfect ensemble for an apothecary: Hygie and Asclepius in medical mythology; Asclepius is the god of medicine. On the medal we find the urn of knowledge from which the serpent emerges, its symbolic animal representing healing, resurrection and renewal. His daughter Hygie is the goddess of health; the high-relief female busts evoke Hygie’s protective figure here. The marguerite, as a medicinal plant, is listed in the 17th century for its soothing and healing virtues.

Perfect condition, no cracks, no losses, very beautiful dark patina, and the mortar rings clearly like a bell. A very beautiful collector’s piece.

Careful packaging and prompt shipment. The shipping price is calculated as fairly as possible, based on packed weight, plus the additional insurance according to the value of the object, with tracking and delivery against signature, by Colissimo France.