Apothecary mortar in marble - late 18th century - France - [ME068]

Apothecary mortar in marble - late 18th century - France

This frustoconical mortar was sculpted in a block of veined white marble, then patiently polished by hand, to obtain an impeccable softness to the touch and an irreproachable regularity of shapes. That of the tank hollowed out in the shape of a “cul de poule” with a gouge as well as that of the four outer fins forming a perfect quadrilobed rim.
This type of mortar was used in the past in pharmacies of apothecaries to reduce medicinal plants, called “simple” to powder, and to make, by varying compositions and dosages, all kinds of remedies: herbal teas, decoctions, distillations, syrups, macerates, ointments, powders, tinctures, mothers.
This generous veined marble mortar thus bears the traces of the ancestral recipes of natural medicine which were expertly prepared there.

The sculpture of this mortar respects a perfect geometry of shapes, like that of the tank hollowed out in the shape of the most regular "cul de poule" with a gouge.

The sculpture of this mortar respects a perfect geometry of shapes, like that of the four outer fins forming a perfect quadrilobed rim.

In the foreground, we can see the spout of this apothecary's mortar carved from a block of veined white marble.

Dimensions
Diameter: 40 cm, height 18 cm.
Reference: [ME068]

Item shown as an example. Please contact David on 06 78 92 61 98 if you would like him to offer you similar pieces.

Objects bearing history

All
17ᵗʰ century
18ᵗʰ century
19ᵗʰ century
Beech
Cherry wood
Chestnut
Clock
Copper
Country furniture
Craft furniture
Desk table
France
Giltwood
Late 18ᵗʰ century
Louis XIII
Louis XIV
Louis XV
Metal
Midi-Pyrénées
Mirror
Mortar
Oak
Objects bearing history
Périgord
Period furniture
Popular art furniture
Provincial art
Quercy
Sculpture
Small furniture
South West of France
Statuette
Storage cabinet
Table
The treasure corner
Tools
Walnut
Wood species

Mansion clock in cherry wood – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME057]

Mansion clock in cherry wood – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME057] FROM THE SUN TO THE WATCH, FROM PRAYER TO THE POINTEUSE, A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CAPTURE OF TIME The millennial quest for the measurement of time will free itself from the course of the Sun and the flow of water to…

Walnut storage cabinet – 18ᵗʰ century – France – [ME066]

Walnut storage cabinet – 18ᵗʰ century – France You have before you the ancestor of the diplomatic bag … It is in fact in this kind of cabinet with drawers that the high dignitaries of the 16ᵗʰ and 17ᵗʰ centuries took their precious documents, cards, titles, treaties and coins of exchange, when they set out…

This desk table was probably the prerogative of a high dignitary of the Customs corps, in charge of a flourishing trading post located on the banks of the Olt, the former name of the Lot.

Desk table in oak and chestnut – Louis XIII – 17th century – Quercy – [ME074]

Desk table in oak and chestnut – Louis XIII – 17th century – Quercy Given the rarity of this type of table that served as a desk, one can imagine that this piece of furniture from Quercy experienced the heyday of river transport on the Lot during the 17th century. This desk table was probably…

Large Louis XV mirror – gilded wood – late 18ᵗʰ century – Midi-Pyrénées – [ME084]

Large Louis XV Mirror – Gilded Wood – Late 18ᵗʰ Century – Midi-Pyrénées The imposing frontispiece of this Louis XV mirror seems to have been sculpted to the size of the generous cornucopia that flourishes in the middle. Symbol of fecundity and fertility, it is highlighted by a checkered background of diamonds, all punctuated in…

Mortar and pestle in beech wood – 18th century – South-West of France – [MP039]

Mortar and pestle in beech wood – 18th century – South-West of France The pestle of this mortar is held with two hands, and the force exerted to crush chestnuts, for example, is increased by the nails planted on its end. Dimensions: Height: 67 cm, diameter: 38 cm, receptacle depth: 42 cm. Reference: [MP039] {{…

Two Twisted Walnut Columns – 18th Century – Midi-Pyrénées – [ME105]

Here are two impressive twisted walnut columns from the 18th century. Initially, they adorned the base of the monumental staircase in a public building located in the Midi-Pyrénées region. Now, they are prepared to enhance the charm of a film set or a private residence.

It is believed to have the power to chase away demons, and that's why Pope Leo IV chose it in the 9th century to reign on the steeples of our churches. Very rare, this all-copper church steeple rooster has descended for a while, ready to come protect your home.

Church Steeple Rooster in Copper – 19th Century – Languedoc-Roussillon – [MP050]

Discover the extraordinary power attributed to the church steeple rooster – a demon-chaser chosen by Pope Leo IV in the 9th century to grace our church steeples. A truly rare find, this all-copper rooster has descended briefly, ready to safeguard your home.

Polychrome Walnut Virgin with Serpent – 18th Century – Midi-Pyrénées – [ME116]

Explore the iconic 18th-century polychrome walnut sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary triumphing over a serpent, symbolizing the Immaculate Conception. Standing gracefully with arms wide open on a half-globe, the Virgin crushes the serpent beneath her bare foot. The finely carved piece showcases intricate details, from the peaceful expression on Mary’s face to the polychromatic hues highlighting the mystical nature of the artwork. Uncover the hidden symbolism as the serpent holds an apple, representing the Virgin as the new Eve who, in the 17th century context, erases the transgressions of the first woman. The dimensions of this masterpiece are 56 cm in height, 32 cm in width, and a diameter of 21 cm. [Reference: ME116]

Apothecary mortar in marble – late 18th century – France – [ME068]