Mortar with swags and shields
Mortar
sixteenth century to early seventeenth century (made)
sixteenth century to early seventeenth century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Mortars played an integral part in everyday life. Wherever there was a need to grind a substance, there would be a mortar and pestle. The most obvious application is in the context of medicine and pharmacy, but they were also essential pieces of equipment in the household, where they were used not only to prepare food, but also simple medicines and cosmetics. Similarly they would be found in the studios of artists and craftsmen, as well as the laboratory of the alchemist. This example is a common type of mortar. Its profile and well as the level of wear suggests that it dates from the sixteenth or early seventeenth century and was produced in a North Italian centre.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Mortar with swags and shields |
| Materials and techniques | Leaded bronze |
| Brief description | garlands flanked by cartouches; Bronze Italian early 16C |
| Physical description | A vase shaped mortar with two plain scroll handles, separately cast and soldered on. On the flared rim, an astrgal, below which is a rown of overlapping veined leaf. Each side of the body decorated with a garland fluttering ribbons flanked by blank cartouches. Trilobed gadrooning on the bowl, set at an angle. Concave foot with projecting moulded base. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Dr W.L Hildburgh, F.S.A |
| Object history | Given by Dr W.L Hildburgh, F.S.A. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Mortars played an integral part in everyday life. Wherever there was a need to grind a substance, there would be a mortar and pestle. The most obvious application is in the context of medicine and pharmacy, but they were also essential pieces of equipment in the household, where they were used not only to prepare food, but also simple medicines and cosmetics. Similarly they would be found in the studios of artists and craftsmen, as well as the laboratory of the alchemist. This example is a common type of mortar. Its profile and well as the level of wear suggests that it dates from the sixteenth or early seventeenth century and was produced in a North Italian centre. |
| Bibliographic reference | Motture, Peta. Bells & Mortars. Catalogue of the Italian Bronzes in the Victoria and Albert Museum. London, 2001, pp.150 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.27-1938 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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