Mortar (2) - Bronze - Old bronze mortar
00
days
06
hours
41
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49
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Current bid
€ 200
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Paul Wullems
He accumulated 18 years' experience, worked as junior specialist at Sotheby’s and managed Kunsthandel Jacques Fijnaut.
Estimate € 250 - € 300
32 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 2772 | €200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bidder 2772 | €120 | |
 Bidder 3943 | €110 | |
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Two-piece bronze mortar set with its original bronze pestle, dating to the 17th–18th century, featuring a relief of stylized faces and columns, a geometric frieze on the rim, a heavy base, natural patina, and originating from Europe (France).
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Old solid bronze mortar, accompanied by its original pestle, likely dating from the 17th–18th centuries. The body features a remarkable relief decoration composed of stylized heads wearing headdresses, as well as sculptural columns, characteristic of European mortars used in apothecaries, herbalists, and alchemy workshops.
The upper edge is decorated with a wavy geometric frieze, while the wide, thick base ensures excellent stability. The interior shows wear consistent with prolonged use, and the surface retains an old and authentic patina, uncleaned, confirming the piece's true age.
The pestle, also made of bronze, features rounded ends and uniform wear, indicating that it is an original set and not reconstructed. This type of mortar is highly sought after by collectors due to its iconography, weight, authenticity, and historical interest.
Object
Old mortar with pestle
Material
Solid bronze
Period
17th–18th century (estimated)
Origin
Western Europe / Central Europe
Style
Apothecary – Late Renaissance / Early Baroque
Description
Bronze mortar cast in a single piece
Relief decoration with stylized faces and columns.
Geometric line on the upper lip
Original pin made of bronze
State
Old and natural patina
Wear appropriate to age
No structural cracks
No recent cleaning or restoration.
Authenticity
Original — not reproduced, not modern molding.
Old solid bronze mortar, accompanied by its original pestle, likely dating from the 17th–18th centuries. The body features a remarkable relief decoration composed of stylized heads wearing headdresses, as well as sculptural columns, characteristic of European mortars used in apothecaries, herbalists, and alchemy workshops.
The upper edge is decorated with a wavy geometric frieze, while the wide, thick base ensures excellent stability. The interior shows wear consistent with prolonged use, and the surface retains an old and authentic patina, uncleaned, confirming the piece's true age.
The pestle, also made of bronze, features rounded ends and uniform wear, indicating that it is an original set and not reconstructed. This type of mortar is highly sought after by collectors due to its iconography, weight, authenticity, and historical interest.
Object
Old mortar with pestle
Material
Solid bronze
Period
17th–18th century (estimated)
Origin
Western Europe / Central Europe
Style
Apothecary – Late Renaissance / Early Baroque
Description
Bronze mortar cast in a single piece
Relief decoration with stylized faces and columns.
Geometric line on the upper lip
Original pin made of bronze
State
Old and natural patina
Wear appropriate to age
No structural cracks
No recent cleaning or restoration.
Authenticity
Original — not reproduced, not modern molding.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
Yes
Title additional information
Old bronze mortar
No. of items
2
Country of Origin
France
Material
Bronze
Style
Antique
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
Height
9.5 cm
Width
13.5 cm
Depth
13.5 cm
Estimated period
17th/18th century
