Name/Title
Mortar and PestleEntry/Object ID
PCP.2012.4.14.abDescription
Wooden round mortar and pestle with decorative metal studsContext
From Alan Strauss' 'A Collection of Mortar and Pestle Sets,' p.5: "Wood mortar and pestle sets were and still are most usually made by skilled craftsmen. They are not usually used to prepare medical products because they are very porous and any medication made in them would be contaminated with some of the previous product made in the same mortar. Their main function is decorative, although occasionally someone may use one in the kitchen to grind up spices. This would work if the material is the only item ever used in that particular mortar.
Among the wooden mortar and pestle sets in the collection are some very old examples that are probably over 100 years old, as well as some that were purchased new. The artists who made them were skilled in many different crafts such as wood turning on a lathe and carving. Many of the wooden mortar and pestle sets are highly decorated.
[This set] is decorated with studs and hammered metal of some sort"Collection
Alan Strauss, R.Ph CollectionCategory
decorative art/objects, apothecary tools and equipment
tools and equipment
Acquisition
Accession
PCP.2012.4Source or Donor
Alan Strauss, R.Ph.Acquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
Gift of Alan Strauss, R.Ph, 2012Dimensions
Dimension Description
MortarHeight
4-1/4 inDiameter
4 inCircumference
14-1/2 inDimension Description
PestleLength
6-3/4 in