Lost wax cast bronze mortar with a body defined by numerous parallel and successive bands that delimit its circumference. It is adorned with classical-style vegetal motifs, including floral garlands (ideally hung from the lower ring band at the top of the mortar) and acanthus leaves. Two elegant, finely crafted anthropomorphic handles facilitate gripping and handling.
Veneto, 16th century.
Dimensions:
Height 22.2 cm x lower diameter 18 cm x upper diameter 26 cm
This particular type of bronze mortar, created using the lost wax casting technique, was often intended for pharmaceutical use. Inside, various raw materials were ground and crushed with the aid of bronze pestles until reduced to a powder, which could then be used alone or mixed with other substances for pharmacological purposes.
In this specific instance, the functional artifact was crafted using complex techniques and was meticulously shaped and decorated, resulting in a work of art that is both highly functional and exceptionally sought-after and aesthetically pleasing.
Reference bibliography:
Giorgio Lise, "Ancient Pharmacy Mortars", 1975 Silvana editoriale d'arte, Milan
Ulrich Middeldorf, "Fifty Mortars 15th-18th Century", 1981 Florence
This item, like all our objects, will be sold with certificates of authenticity and lawful provenance.
We personally handle and arrange the packaging and shipping of artworks with insurance worldwide.
If the artwork is purchased by non-Italian clients, it will require a certificate of free circulation. This can be obtained within 10/20 working days.
The gallery will manage all bureaucratic and economic aspects of this process. All costs associated with the transaction are therefore included in the price.
