Antique 18th Century Wooden Pestle & Mortar - British Culinary & Apothecary Tool

An evocative late 18th-century hand-turned Hardwood Pestle & Mortar; full of warmth and authenticity - a centuries-old surface texture richly patinated from culinary or apothecarial heritage and use At a Glance - Appeal & Desirability Date: Late 18th century (late 1700s) Material: Mixed hardwoods, darkened to a lustrous, warm tone Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote before completing your order. A highly decorative and functional piece, embodying both history and craftsmanship. The patina - deep, tactile, and richly coloured- is especially enviable, and speaks to its long life of practical service. A rare opportunity to acquire an authentic example of 18th-century domestic and apothecary ware. Heritage, History & Craftsmanship:- An exceptional and substantial late-18th-century pestle and mortar, finely hand-turned and crafted from dense mixed hardwoods.  The pestle’s softly rounded end and the mortar’s deep bowl attest to practical purpose, while the tool’s balanced proportions and sculptural form elevate it beyond utility to quiet artistry.  It bears the gentle marks of age and glows with a time-honoured patina; a lustre and tonal depth only achieved by generations of daily labour.   Surviving examples such as this are increasingly scarce; its exceptional surface and presence, offers both authenticity and a depth of character that only centuries of use and handling can impart.  This tangible link to history is a tactile artefact from a period when craftsmanship and domestic ritual were inseparable. During the 18th century pestles and mortars such as this were indispensable tools of both household and apothecary life. In kitchens, they served in the preparation and grinding of spices, grains, and salts and in pharmacies/apothecaries, they prepared herbal tinctures and medicinal compounds; thus forming an essential part of daily life. Their solid hardwood construction was valued for resilience and the ability to withstand repetitive impact. Explore Every Facet:- Please study the photographs carefully; they form part of the visual record. Each angle shows the beautiful contrast between the smoothly handled rim and the darker recesses within the bowl, telling a story of practical function and enduring craftsmanship. The images reveal centuries of gentle wear and use, with no structural damage, to the beautifully smoothed interior of the deep bowl of the mortar; the softly rounded end of the pestle, subtle marks and colour transitions confirm its authentic age, longstanding use and authentic character, ensuring this remains a unique and timeless artefact. Styling Suggestions:- This wonderfully commanding 18th-century Pestle and Mortar is such a presence as a sculptural object in its own right, in any setting.  In a contemporary space it lends warmth and offers both decorative charm and historical resonance and would be a striking tactile accent in a country house style kitchen.  It would certainly be a conversation piece within a collector’s cabinet of early domestic wares and/or apothecary collections. Its organic form and weighty presence make it equally at home displayed as a decorative centrepiece in a culinary vignette adding rich historic texture to a refectory table, kitchen dresser or on open shelving alongside copper pans and stoneware jars.  For those with a flair for the unexpected, it could even serve as a conversation-starting vessel for dried botanicals or potpourri in a guest bathroom or conservatory. Sustainable Style:- Sustainability begins with what already exists; thank you for considering an antique item - a choice that honours both design and the environment.  Crafted from enduring hardwoods and preserved through centuries of use, this pestle and mortar exemplifies the sustainable elegance of antique craftsmanship. Its continued relevance speaks to the timeless utility of well-made tools, and its survival ensures that restoration skills and historical knowledge remain alive and valued.  In every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures. Purchase with Confidence:- At White’s Antiques, every piece is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.