Attributed to Willem Wegewart (Active Mid to Late 16th Century), Dutch, Dated 1566
A Mortar and Pestle
No reserve
Lot Closed
February 11, 03:17 PM GMT
Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 USD
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
upper band inscribed ANNO SALVTIS NOSTRE 1566, above a lower band decorated with mermaids and centered by circular shields
bronze
height 5 in.
12.7 cm
Christie's Amsterdam, 4 October 2011, lot 186;
Where acquired by Aso O. Tavitian.
The present mortar and pestle, with its lively ornamentation, is a fine example of a domestic object that was once standard in 16th century homes. Scrolling foliage, and fantastical creatures and animals were commonly employed to decorate these mortars and could occasionally allude to the function of the vessel, medicinal purposes or cooking.
The design of the bands and handles of the current object can be found on two different mortars attributed by the art historian Wittop Koning to Willem Wegewart.1
1W. Koning, D.A., Nederlandse Vijzels, Weert 1989, p. 48, fig. 32 and p. 50, fig. 37.