17th Century Italian Bronze Apothecary Mortar with Masks and Festoons

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Cast bronze apothecary mortar, Italian manufacture, 17th century. The bell-shaped body rests on a stepped circular foot and opens into … Read more Cast bronze apothecary mortar, Italian manufacture, 17th century. The bell-shaped body rests on a stepped circular foot and opens into a wide flared rim with concentric fillets. The decoration runs in bands: stylized tongues at the top, lion masks alternating with hanging festoons in the central frieze, a band inscribed in raised Roman capitals, and a gadrooned band above the foot. Two protruding handles shaped as small heads on opposite sides. The interior retains its turning rings and the off-center wear left by long use with the pestle. Pestle not included. See less