1 of 1

Dutch Cast Bronze Mortar, Dated 1625

$4,900List Price

About the Item

Dutch, cast bronze mortar, dated 1625 with dragon handles, very rare, dark original patina, marked “Henric Van Kersot”, measures: 5.5″ H x 6″ W. Pharmacist's grinding bowl has long history. Mortar and pestles have been around for centuries and date back to the ancient medicine men and shamans. The shaman was a unique force in the history of Asia, Korea, Africa, India, and Indonesia. The Eskimos, American Indians, and Aborigines also looked to their shamans in times of need. He was said to have supernatural powers, the capacity to heal, and was an expert in herbal medicine including roots, bulbs and dried earth. The mortar and pestle was used to grind and mix these ingredients together for powders, ointments and poultices. Of the tools that shamans and pharmacists used, none are more closely associated with the craft than the mortar and pestle. Over time they were made larger and deeper. Pouring spouts were added as well as lugs for holding the mortar, and single or double handles. The standard mortar was 10 to 15 inches in diameter and 6 to 8 inches high. Materials used varied from glass, wood, granite, and ivory, to lead, bronze and brass. The bronze mortar was the most common mortar used in pharmacies. Bell founders often cast mortars, as bronze was the main substance used. Materials like marble were not as popular because acids and particles could stay inside the mortar contaminating the medicine and affecting the material. Around 1780, biscuit porcelain was introduced. The porcelain was not affected by acids and was smooth enough to be thoroughly cleaned. The Wedgwood mortar and pestle is still in use today. Over the centuries mortars became more decorative with animal designs and inscriptions that included the date and owners name.

Dimensions:
Height: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Diameter: 6 in (15.24 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Cast
Place of Origin:
Netherlands
Period:
17th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1625
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Woodbridge, CT
Reference Number:
Seller: BZ-0161stDibs: LU185934673753

Mid-20th Century Chinese Vases

Materials

Iron

Chinese Floral Cast Iron Mortar

$880

H 6.75 in Dm 6.75 in

Chinese Floral Cast Iron Mortar

Located in Chicago, IL

Cast in iron with a raised floral design, this vintage mortar was once used in a traditional apothecary to create herbal medicines. Beautifully aged with a rich patina, the footed mo...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Iron

Chinese Floral Cast Iron Mortar

$880

H 8 in W 6 in D 6 in

Chinese Cast Iron Longevity Mortar

Located in Chicago, IL

Cast in iron with a raised design, this vintage mortar was originally used in a traditional apothecary to create herbal medicines. The swelling shape allowed free movement of a pestl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Iron

Chinese Cast Iron Longevity Mortar

$880

H 11.75 in Dm 7 in

Vintage Chinese Floral Cast Iron Mortar

Located in Chicago, IL

This vintage cast iron mortar from China's Shanxi province is patterned in low relief with a simple floral design. Originally used in a traditional ap...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Rustic Metalwork

Materials

Iron

Vintage Chinese Floral Cast Iron Mortar

$880

H 8 in Dm 7.5 in

Vintage Chinese Floral Cast Iron Mortar

Located in Chicago, IL

This vintage cast iron mortar from China's Shanxi province is patterned in low relief with a simple floral design. Originally used in a traditional ap...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Rustic Metalwork

Materials

Iron

Vintage Chinese Floral Cast Iron Mortar

$880

H 7.5 in Dm 7 in

Vintage Chinese Cast Iron Chrysanthemum Mortar

Located in Chicago, IL

This vintage iron mortar from China's Shanxi province was cast in low relief with a delicate chrysanthemum in bloom. Originally used in a traditional apothecary to create herbal medi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Rustic Metalwork

Materials

Iron

Vintage Chinese Cast Iron Chrysanthemum Mortar

$880

H 8 in Dm 7.5 in

19th Century French Cast Iron Mortar

Located in High Point, NC

Elevate your home décor with this exquisite 19th Century French Cast Iron Mortar, a piece that marries historical significance with rustic charm. This robust mortar, crafted from the...

Category