A beautifully small carved wooden pestle and matching mortar dating to the year 1800. Hand turned in England such small pestle and mortars were used by both Apothecaries (Chemists) for mixing medicine and also in domestic settings for grinding snuff from the 17th century to 19th century. Because of the highly decorative inlaid mother of pearl end panels we would think that this was owned by a wealthy owner, perhaps a female (yes aristocratic ladies took snuff too, it was a luxury indulgence).

Interestingly Lignum Vitae was the wood of choice because it was impervious to absorbing its medicinal continents'. But also, the Lignum Vitae wood itself was reputed to have medicinal qualities that could beneficially transfer to the compounded mixture. For further information and similar examples see the treen reference bible called 'Treen and other wooden bygones' by Edward H Pinto.

Size: Knop ended Pestle 5" high, matching mortar 3" tall.

Condition: A good, mellow warm coloring to each. This device has been used regularly as can be seen to the inside of the mortar, where the interior of one favored side for grinding is worn down. There are four individual vertical drying hairlines to the mortar, all stable and difficult to see but mentioned for accuracy.

A superbly tactile example with the mother of pearl decoration. A rare addition to your snuff or apothecary collection.

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