Lignum Vitae Mortar & Pestle
About: This is an early turned mortar & pestle dating to either 17th or 18th centuries and made of lignum vitae, a dense tropical hardwood revered for it’s durable functional properties. Lignum was a rare and expensive wood for the period and given its density, very difficult to work with.
Why We Love It: The weight of this piece is incredible as are the turned incised lines. We can imagine this being used in kitchens and apothecaries over the centuries.
Condition: Showing wear and a split to the side. The piece was lacquered at one time which likely caused the eventual split. The pestle is of a different wood, likely maple.
Dims: 8.5” Diameter x 9” H
Location: Sperryville, VA
About: This is an early turned mortar & pestle dating to either 17th or 18th centuries and made of lignum vitae, a dense tropical hardwood revered for it’s durable functional properties. Lignum was a rare and expensive wood for the period and given its density, very difficult to work with.
Why We Love It: The weight of this piece is incredible as are the turned incised lines. We can imagine this being used in kitchens and apothecaries over the centuries.
Condition: Showing wear and a split to the side. The piece was lacquered at one time which likely caused the eventual split. The pestle is of a different wood, likely maple.
Dims: 8.5” Diameter x 9” H
Location: Sperryville, VA
About: This is an early turned mortar & pestle dating to either 17th or 18th centuries and made of lignum vitae, a dense tropical hardwood revered for it’s durable functional properties. Lignum was a rare and expensive wood for the period and given its density, very difficult to work with.
Why We Love It: The weight of this piece is incredible as are the turned incised lines. We can imagine this being used in kitchens and apothecaries over the centuries.
Condition: Showing wear and a split to the side. The piece was lacquered at one time which likely caused the eventual split. The pestle is of a different wood, likely maple.
Dims: 8.5” Diameter x 9” H
Location: Sperryville, VA