Marble Mortar and pestle - 7 cm
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 900 - € 1,400
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Description from the seller
Rare Italian Marble Apothecary Mortar, traditionally described as a “Poison Mortar”
Italy, 16th–17th century
Marble, 7 × 11 cm
A rare and highly decorative small Italian marble mortar of distinctive Renaissance/early Baroque form, carved from richly variegated polychrome marble with exceptional natural veining in warm ochre, red and cream tones.
The squat body rises from a short circular foot and terminates in a broad, projecting rim with four lobed handles.
Mortars of this type were used historically in apothecaries for the preparation of small quantities of medicinal substances.
The present example has traditionally been described as a “poison mortar”, a designation associated with certain early Italian apothecary mortars.
Provenance:
Formerly in the collection of Y.M. Chaumont Gistoux, before 1990.
Collection of Luc Decruyenaere, acquired in 2000, accompanied by a certificate issued by Luc Decruyenaere.
A particularly attractive example distinguished by its small scale, sculptural form, and exceptional marble.
Rare Italian Marble Apothecary Mortar, traditionally described as a “Poison Mortar”
Italy, 16th–17th century
Marble, 7 × 11 cm
A rare and highly decorative small Italian marble mortar of distinctive Renaissance/early Baroque form, carved from richly variegated polychrome marble with exceptional natural veining in warm ochre, red and cream tones.
The squat body rises from a short circular foot and terminates in a broad, projecting rim with four lobed handles.
Mortars of this type were used historically in apothecaries for the preparation of small quantities of medicinal substances.
The present example has traditionally been described as a “poison mortar”, a designation associated with certain early Italian apothecary mortars.
Provenance:
Formerly in the collection of Y.M. Chaumont Gistoux, before 1990.
Collection of Luc Decruyenaere, acquired in 2000, accompanied by a certificate issued by Luc Decruyenaere.
A particularly attractive example distinguished by its small scale, sculptural form, and exceptional marble.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Country of origin
Italy
Material
Marble
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
7 cm
Width
11 cm
Depth
11 cm
Estimated period
1600-1650
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
