Lot 138
Western Europe, Spain, ca. 17th century CE. A fine Spanish marble mortar and pestle, hand-carved from a single block of creamy white stone with a soft, timeworn surface. The mortar features a thick-walled, circular basin set within a quatrefoil form, the four projecting corners each bearing an incised cross. These subtle religious emblems lend the vessel a devotional quality, suggesting use within a monastic or ecclesiastical context where apothecaries prepared pigments, incense, or medicinal compounds. The pestle, turned to a tapered cylindrical shape with a rounded head, fits comfortably within the mortar's deep cavity. Together they exemplify the restrained elegance and practicality of early modern craftsmanship, when utilitarian forms were often imbued with spiritual symbolism. Mortars such as this one served both sacred and domestic functions, bridging the physical and the divine in the preparation of material substances. Size: 7.5" Diameter x 4.3" H (19 cm x 10.9 cm)
The stone's surface retains traces of wear consistent with centuries of use, and the overall form remains solid and pleasingly tactile, a testament to the enduring artistry of Spanish stoneworkers of the Baroque period.
PROVENANCE: ex-Rodney Brown Estate collection, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2010 to 2015
We coordinate worldwide shipping to most destinations, overseeing every detail in-house to guarantee a smooth and exceptional delivery experience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots is required via bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #
198213
- Condition: Good. Weathering with nicks and pitting to surface as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with smooth pounding surfaces.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |