Bronze mortar and pestle, Europe, 1701-1800

Large light-coloured bronze mortar and pestle, mortar has wide flared rim, straight sided, 2 rounded handles and decoration, decorated shaft of pestle, European, 18th century

Cast in bronze, this pestle and the bell-shaped mortar were used by apothecaries and pharmacists to grind and pound hard spices and substances for drug preparations. Both the pestle and mortar are engraved with ornate patterns. Many mortars were made in bell foundries across Europe. Today, pestles and mortars are more likely to be found in kitchens rather than pharmacies.