This antique French stone mortar, dating to the 19th century, is carved from solid limestone and features the classic rounded body with four squared lugs around the rim—an iconic detail of traditional European mortars. The thick walls and deep interior well speak to its original utilitarian purpose, used for grinding grains, herbs, and pigments in both domestic and apothecary settings.
Time has given the stone a soft, powdery patina with subtle variations in tone, adding warmth and character to the piece. Today, it reads as a striking sculptural object—perfect as a vessel for a specimen planting, a tabletop accent, or a standalone decorative form with a sense of age and authenticity.
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Origin: France
Period: 19th century
Material: Carved limestone
Dimensions: 9”H × 15”Dia
Condition: Natural wear and surface patina consistent with age and use
This antique French stone mortar, dating to the 19th century, is carved from solid limestone and features the classic rounded body with four squared lugs around the rim—an iconic detail of traditional European mortars. The thick walls and deep interior well speak to its original utilitarian purpose, used for grinding grains, herbs, and pigments in both domestic and apothecary settings.
Time has given the stone a soft, powdery patina with subtle variations in tone, adding warmth and character to the piece. Today, it reads as a striking sculptural object—perfect as a vessel for a specimen planting, a tabletop accent, or a standalone decorative form with a sense of age and authenticity.
—
Origin: France
Period: 19th century
Material: Carved limestone
Dimensions: 9”H × 15”Dia
Condition: Natural wear and surface patina consistent with age and use
