Bronze Mortar, Veneto, 16th Century

Lost wax cast bronze mortar with body outlined by a large number of parallel and successive frames that delimit its circumference; and decorated with plant motifs of classical derivation: flower garlands, ideally hung from the lower ring frame of the upper part of the mortar, acanthus leaves.
Two elegant anthropomorphic handles of refined workmanship make it easier to grip and move.

Veneto, 16th century.

Dimensions:
Height 22.2 cm x lower diameter 18 cm x upper diameter 26 cm

This particular type of bronze mortar, made with the lost wax casting technique, was often intended for pharmaceutical use.
In fact, inside them, various raw materials were, with the help of bronze pestles, chopped and ground until they were reduced to powder and could therefore be used, alone or mixed with others, for pharmacological purposes.

In this particular case, the artefact for use was created using complex techniques and carefully shaped and decorated, giving rise to particularly functional and aesthetically highly sought-after and captivating works of art.


Reference bibliography

Giorgio Lise, "Ancient pharmacy mortars", 1975 Silvana art editorial, Milan

Ulrich Middeldorf, “Fifty Mortars 15th -18th Century”, 1981 Florence


The work, like all our other objects, will be sold accompanied by certificates of authenticity and lawful origin.

We personally take care of and organize the packing and shipping of the artworks with insurance all over the world
If the work is purchased by non-Italian customers, it will require the certificate of free circulation.
The same can be obtained in 10/20 working days.
The gallery will take care of the bureaucratic and economic aspects of the thing.
All costs of the operation are therefore included in the price.