Description:

Western Europe, 13th to 15th century CE. This is a beautiful example of a crucial tool in medieval / Renaissance life: the mortar was used for grinding medicines. During the time period that this was made the Black Death (1348 to 1352) and subsequent plague outbreaks created a frenzied demand throughout Europe for any kind of curative, no matter how strange. This lead mortar could have been used by someone selling dubious cures or an earnest doctor. Regardless, it is beautiful, decorated with relief designs of sea life: shells, starfish, dolphins, mermaids, repeating in a ring around the exterior. Size: 4" W x 3.2" H (10.2 cm x 8.1 cm)

Provenance: Ex - J. Hovsepian collection acquired before 1985

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#116269

  • Condition: Slight deformation of shape; all designs clear.

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August 25, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000