{"product_id":"antieke-nederlandse-bronzen-vijzel-stamper-17e-18e-eeuw","title":"A Dutch Bronze Mortar and Pestle – 17th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMortar: H 11.5 × W 15 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nPestle: H 20 × W 3.7 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nTotal weight: 3 kg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial \u003cstrong\u003e17th-century Dutch bronze mortar with associated pestle\u003c\/strong\u003e, distinguished by its unusually solid proportions, warm surface and pronounced architectural profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mortar is cast as a deep cylindrical vessel rising from a broad moulded foot. Its exterior is articulated by a succession of horizontal ribs and mouldings, culminating in a widely flared rim. Two opposing knob-shaped handles project from the central register, giving the otherwise functional vessel a particularly balanced and sculptural appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eA Working Object from the Early Modern Household\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMortars of this type were not conceived as decorative objects. They belonged to the practical equipment of pharmacies, apothecaries and prosperous households, where they were used for grinding herbs, spices and medicinal preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe considerable weight of this example is characteristic of an object intended to remain stable during repeated use. At approximately \u003cstrong\u003e3 kilograms\u003c\/strong\u003e including the pestle, it has the physical presence expected from a heavily cast utilitarian bronze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSurface and Evidence of Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of the appeal lies in the surface. Centuries of handling have produced a complex brown and golden patina across the exterior, with darker deposits retained around the mouldings and handles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior presents a markedly different character. Here, darker oxidation and areas of natural green verdigris have developed within the recesses, while the base shows extensive circular wear consistent with prolonged grinding and pounding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese variations are important: rather than presenting a uniformly finished surface, the mortar shows different patterns of wear according to how each part of the object was handled and used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Pestle\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying bronze pestle measures \u003cstrong\u003e20 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in length and follows a restrained baluster form with expanded working ends. Its darkened surface and softened high points complement the mortar well and give the ensemble a convincing sense of long practical use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eA Strong Example of European Bronze Domestic Ware\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSurviving bronze mortars occupy an interesting position between domestic history and European metalwork. Although made primarily as tools, their weight, symmetry and carefully moulded profiles often gave them a degree of craftsmanship far beyond their purely practical function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis example retains precisely that character: compact, exceptionally heavy for its size and visually powerful, with the patina and wear remaining clearly visible rather than having been polished away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Netherlands \/ Low Countries\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17th century\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast bronze\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Age-related wear, oxidation, surface marks and natural patination consistent with prolonged historical use.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"1stbuddha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58167167189323,"sku":"727","price":467.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/6170\/5547\/files\/antieke-bronzen-vijzel-17e-eeuw-nederland.jpg?v=1787045498","url":"https:\/\/1stbuddha.com\/products\/dutch-bronze-mortar-pestle-17th-century","provider":"1stbuddha","version":"1.0","type":"link"}