Colonial America
Early Antique Dutch Solid Brass Apothecary Mortar Pestle
c. 1690 Colonial Era, Mortar and Pestle Matched Set, Brass, Likely Early Dutch New York Use, Choice Very Fine.
Excellent example, having an outstanding design, of a late 17th century Dutch mortar and pestle set, just as illustrated in numerous reference volumes on the topic. Recognized for the quality of their metalworking. Dutch artisans produced some of Europe's finest brassware, the country operated on the export demand for their goods, with examples reaching across Europe by traders as far as England (said items often appearing later in America during the course of colonization). Made circa 1690, the quality of the metalworking displayed in this example is certainly similar to candlesticks of the period. Sand cast before being finished, the piece exhibits some great qualities, this example displaying a larger size and incorporating the design of having side handles. Mortar and pestle sets were a commodity used in a variety of fashions. Mixing chemical compounds was certainly a viable reason, and as such period apothecaries would have based their businesses around them. They were though not limited to aforementioned businesses as homes of distinction would have afforded them for the variety of needs such as grinding culinary salts and spices. A fine addition to any collection centered around items of the early Colonial period. (2 item set)