Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Mortar and Pestle with Decorative Face Motif | 18th–19th Century

$650.00
$650.00
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18th–19th Century European wooden mortar and pestle, featuring a finely carved human face on the pestle. The robust mortar and intricately detailed pestle showcase traditional craftsmanship, rich patina, and centuries of use, reflecting both utilitarian function and cultural artistry.
18th–19th Century European wooden mortar and pestle, featuring a finely carved human face on the pestle. The robust mortar and intricately detailed pestle showcase traditional craftsmanship, rich patina, and centuries of use, reflecting both utilitarian function and cultural artistry.
18th–19th Century European wooden mortar and pestle, featuring a finely carved human face on the pestle. The robust mortar and intricately detailed pestle showcase traditional craftsmanship, rich patina, and centuries of use, reflecting both utilitarian function and cultural artistry.
748395
748395
748395
748395
748395
748395
748395
  • 18th–19th Century European wooden mortar and pestle, featuring a finely carved human face on the pestle. The robust mortar and intricately detailed pestle showcase traditional craftsmanship, rich patina, and centuries of use, reflecting both utilitarian function and cultural artistry.
  • 18th–19th Century European wooden mortar and pestle, featuring a finely carved human face on the pestle. The robust mortar and intricately detailed pestle showcase traditional craftsmanship, rich patina, and centuries of use, reflecting both utilitarian function and cultural artistry.
  • 18th–19th Century European wooden mortar and pestle, featuring a finely carved human face on the pestle. The robust mortar and intricately detailed pestle showcase traditional craftsmanship, rich patina, and centuries of use, reflecting both utilitarian function and cultural artistry.
  • 748395
  • 748395
  • 748395
  • 748395
  • 748395
  • 748395
  • 748395
18th–19th Century European wooden mortar and pestle, featuring a finely carved human face on the pestle. The robust mortar and intricately detailed pestle showcase traditional craftsmanship, rich patina, and centuries of use, reflecting both utilitarian function and cultural artistry.
18th–19th Century European wooden mortar and pestle, featuring a finely carved human face on the pestle. The robust mortar and intricately detailed pestle showcase traditional craftsmanship, rich patina, and centuries of use, reflecting both utilitarian function and cultural artistry.
18th–19th Century European wooden mortar and pestle, featuring a finely carved human face on the pestle. The robust mortar and intricately detailed pestle showcase traditional craftsmanship, rich patina, and centuries of use, reflecting both utilitarian function and cultural artistry.
748395
748395
748395
748395
748395
748395
748395

Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Mortar and Pestle with Decorative Face Motif | 18th–19th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Europe
Material: Hand-carved wood
Period: 18th–19th Century

Description
This unique antique mortar and pestle is an exceptional example of traditional European craftsmanship. The pestle is distinguished by a finely carved human face, possibly representing a cultural or historical figure, adding both artistry and symbolic resonance to a utilitarian object. The mortar itself is robust and cylindrical, designed for grinding herbs or apothecary use, while the surface of both pieces displays a rich patina and natural wear acquired over centuries.

Features

- Pestle carved with a human face, showcasing delicate detailing and folk artistry

- Robust wooden mortar with cylindrical form, practical yet refined in design

- Aged wood with natural patina and surface wear enhancing authenticity

- Likely used in apothecary, herbal medicine, or domestic settings

Cultural Significance
Mortar and pestle sets were essential tools in both households and early apothecaries across Europe. The carved face elevates this piece beyond simple function, possibly symbolizing protection, tradition, or identity. Such details reflect the blending of artistry with utility, marking it as both a practical tool and a cultural artifact.

Condition
Excellent antique condition with visible signs of wear consistent with age and use. The wood retains a deep, natural patina, and the carved details remain clear and expressive.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 11.5 in
Width: 4.5 in
Depth: 4.5 in

Age
18th–19th Century

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Europe
Material: Hand-carved wood
Period: 18th–19th Century

Description
This unique antique mortar and pestle is an exceptional example of traditional European craftsmanship. The pestle is distinguished by a finely carved human face, possibly representing a cultural or historical figure, adding both artistry and symbolic resonance to a utilitarian object. The mortar itself is robust and cylindrical, designed for grinding herbs or apothecary use, while the surface of both pieces displays a rich patina and natural wear acquired over centuries.

Features

- Pestle carved with a human face, showcasing delicate detailing and folk artistry

- Robust wooden mortar with cylindrical form, practical yet refined in design

- Aged wood with natural patina and surface wear enhancing authenticity

- Likely used in apothecary, herbal medicine, or domestic settings

Cultural Significance
Mortar and pestle sets were essential tools in both households and early apothecaries across Europe. The carved face elevates this piece beyond simple function, possibly symbolizing protection, tradition, or identity. Such details reflect the blending of artistry with utility, marking it as both a practical tool and a cultural artifact.

Condition
Excellent antique condition with visible signs of wear consistent with age and use. The wood retains a deep, natural patina, and the carved details remain clear and expressive.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 11.5 in
Width: 4.5 in
Depth: 4.5 in

Age
18th–19th Century

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