Mortar and Pestle

Object/Artifact

-

Marvin Samson Museum for the History of Pharmacy

Name/Title

Mortar and Pestle

Entry/Object ID

PCP.2012.4.12.ab

Description

Wooden mortar and pestle with checked decoration

Context

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."

Collection

Alan Strauss, R.Ph Collection

Category

apothecary tools and equipment, decorative art/objects
tools and equipment

Acquisition

Accession

PCP.2012.4

Source or Donor

Alan Strauss, R.Ph.

Acquisition Method

Gift

Credit Line

Gift of Alan Strauss, R.Ph, 2012

Made/Created

Time Period

20th Century

Place

County

China

Region

East Asia

Continent

Asia

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Mortar

Height

4-1/2 in

Diameter

4 in

Circumference

13-5/8 in

Dimension Description

Pestle

Length

5-1/2 in