17th Century Cast Iron Mortar with Figured Handles
France
17th Century
Cast iron
14 3/4″ diameter (inner diameter 10″) x 19″ width x 11 3/4″ high
A monumental cast iron mortar with figured handles in the shape of dog heads. Ornamented with serrated vertical ribs. Mortars of this kind were cast in foundries and intended for generations of use, and the degree of ornamentation and quality of construction suggests this might have been in a monastic apothecary or aristocratic kitchen.
Substantial in both stature and weight, it makes a powerful sculptural impression.