Large Vintage Stone Mortar & Pestle

A beautifully substantial old stone mortar and pestle, with wonderful weight, simple proportions and a surface softened by years of use.
The mortar has a broad, gently flared bowl sitting on a substantial raised foot, while the unusually chunky pestle has a rounded working end and a naturally tapered form.
The stone has developed a wonderfully mottled, timeworn surface, with variations in colour, texture and wear throughout. There is something particularly appealing about the way the surface has been worn smooth in places while retaining all the irregularities of the original stone.
It came from the same long-established cobbler's premises as a collection of traditional shoe lasts and vintage workshop equipment. Its exact original use isn't known, and I've deliberately avoided attributing it to a particular trade without evidence.
Whatever its history, it is a lovely old object — substantial, tactile and made to be used.

Details

• Large vintage stone mortar and pestle
• Heavy, flared mortar with raised foot
• Unusually substantial pestle
• Naturally mottled and weathered surface
• Beautiful variations in colour and texture
• Evidence of age and previous use
• Original unrestored condition
  

Dimensions

Mortar
Diameter — approx. 18 cm
Opening — approx. 13 cm
Height — approx. 11.5 cm
Pestle
Length — approx. 16.5 cm
Diameter at thickest point — approx. 5 cm
Tapers to approx. 3 cm

Condition

Original, unrestored condition with marks, surface variation and signs of age and use throughout. The underside of the mortar shows particularly noticeable wear.
There are no obvious cracks or repairs visible. Please study the photographs carefully, as the natural variations and wear are an important part of the character of the piece.

Use

A wonderful kitchen object for grinding herbs, spices or other ingredients, but equally good simply left on display.
I love the scale of this one — it has the presence of a much older, more architectural object and would sit beautifully on a kitchen island, shelf or worktop.
A beautifully worn piece of stone with plenty of life left in it.

Notes

As vintage-style decorative objects, these pieces are final sale and non-returnable.

Specialist delivery: Due to the age, fragility and value of this item, it requires specialist packaging and careful handling. The £150 free-delivery offer does not apply. A specialist delivery charge applies.