Mortar and pestle (4) - Brass

Two mortars with their pestles – Solid turned brass, engraved – India, late 19th/early 20th century – 3.75 kg Fine set of two antique mortars of different dimensions, each accompanied by its pestle, made of solid brass / copper alloy. The two sets show strong manufacturing and stylistic similarities, allowing them to be naturally offered together: turned and flared bodies, circular feet, turned pestles with widened ends, and engraved and stamped decoration. The walls of the mortars are adorned with stylized vegetal and geometric motifs, executed directly in the metal. The décors combine incisions, small stamped motifs and geometric friezes. In terms of their shapes, material, fabrication technique and decorative repertoire, these mortars can be compared to traditional Indian brass mortars, notably used for grinding spices and various domestic or medicinal preparations. Probable origin: India. Dating proposed: late 19th century / first half of the 20th century. This attribution remains deliberately cautious in the absence of a signature or documentation allowing precise identification of a workshop. A manufacturing peculiarity is also present on both sets: several small regular rectangular marks, arranged in a repetitive manner on certain turned parts. Their regularity indicates they are intentional, but their exact function has not been determined. Large mortar Mortar: Height: 11.5 cm Maximum width: about 11 cm Weight: 2,248 g Pestle: Length: 20.5 cm Weight: 942 g Total weight of the large set: 3,190 g Small mortar Mortar: Height: 7 cm Maximum width: about 6.5 cm Weight: 461 g Pestle: Length: 10.5 cm Weight: 100 g Calculated total weight of the small set: 561 g. Total weight The four elements together total about 3.75 kg of metal. Condition Beautiful old condition with natural patina, signs of use, small scratches, color variations and areas of oxidation consistent with the age and use of these objects. The interior of the mortars also retains the characteristic traces of their use. The pieces have not been heavily replated in order to preserve their appearance and patina. The detailed photographs allow precise appreciation of the decorations, surfaces, interiors, bases and the various maker marks and are an integral part of the description. A particularly decorative and interesting ensemble due to the presence of the two matching formats, from the small mortar to the large, especially heavy model of over 3 kg with its pestle.

Estimation:€1

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