Eastern France
Early 19th Century
Unglazed terracotta
7” wide x 6 1/4” deep x 3 3/4” high
8” wide x 8” deep x 3 1/4” high
8 1/4” wide x 7 1/2” deep x 4” high

This charming trio of mortars was made in Eastern France, in the former Bresse region. Mortars were once a part of daily life, used with a pestle to grind food or pharmaceuticals. In the 19th century, they were commonly made of stone, rather than clay. However, in Bresse, stone was a luxury so mortars were made by tilers or carronniers (a common trade in the region) out of terracotta.

Each mortar is decorated with a distinct pattern. The larger of the three has a relief of a festoon crowned with a heart. The other decorations are made by stamping with a hard wood or metal punch, including flowers, leaves, and various geometric shapes.

Sold separately or as a set.