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Antique Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle – c. 1880–1900
€189Bid from €170.10
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Private sellerDamme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales
Product description
Mortar dimensions: H 12 × W 15 cm Pestle dimensions: H 18.5 × W 3.5 cm Total weight: 1.8 kg Material: Bronze Origin: Italy Dating: Late 19th century, ca. 1880–1900
Italian 19th-century bronze apothecary mortar
A heavy and particularly decorative antique bronze mortar with an accompanying pestle, manufactured in Italy at the end of the 19th century. With a total weight of 1.8 kg, the set has the solid construction characteristic of traditional bronze mortars that were genuinely crafted for practical use. The cylindrical bowl elegantly flares upwards into a wide, slightly everted rim. On either side are substantial knob-shaped handles. Due to age and use, the bronze has developed a deep dark brown patina, while protruding parts have become lighter in places.
Crowned coat of arms with lion
The most characteristic detail is found on both sides of the mortar. Here, a heraldic coat of arms is depicted with an upright lion, surrounded by ornaments and surmounted by a crown. At first glance, the depiction is reminiscent of Northern European heraldry, but similar Italian mortars from the late 19th century are known to feature the same decorative principle: a crowned coat of arms with a lion combined with round knob handles. The lion should, therefore, primarily be considered a heraldic motif and not the Dutch national coat of arms.
Original bronze pestle
The mortar comes with a heavy bronze pestle, 18.5 cm long. Its surface shows clear signs of use and a dark, uneven patina. Especially on the protruding parts, the bronze has become smoother and lighter in places due to prolonged handling and use. The proportions of the pestle align well with the mortar, making the whole an attractive complete set.
Construction, patina and signs of use
The interior shows a dark, accumulated patina with visible signs of use. The upper rim shows local wear where the underlying bronze has become warmer and lighter in color. The flat underside also bears numerous old, intersecting scratch and slide marks. These signs of use, along with the wear on the pestle, handles, and rim, are consistent with an object that has been functionally used for a longer period and was not exclusively made as a decorative item.
Dating and comparison
The shape, dimensions, weight, knob-shaped side handles, and especially the crowned lion coat of arms closely align with documented Italian bronze mortars from the second half of the 19th century. Similar examples are dated around the last quarter of the century. Based on these typological similarities, we cautiously date this example to around 1880–1900.
A characterful piece of European utilitarian ware
While many antique mortars are relatively simple in execution, the double heraldic decoration gives this example a distinct character. The warm bronze tones, dark age patina, and preserved pestle also make it attractive as a standalone interior and collector's item. A beautiful complete Italian bronze mortar from the late 19th century, in which craftsmanship, daily use, and European decorative tradition come together.
Additional details:
- Brand: 1stbuddha
- Style: Antiek
- Colour: donkerbruin
- Colour: brons
- Period: 1880–1900
- availability: in_stock
- product_type: Decoratief object / gebruiksvoorwerp
Specifications
CategoryKitchen accessoriesConditionVery goodMaterialBronzeSeller locationDamme, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerDamme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales