18th-Century Hand-Carved Marble Mortar - 11¾"

18th-century marble mortar, hand carved from a single block of creamy white stone with warm honeyed tones and soft grey veining. The thick, tapering bowl is encircled by four projecting lugs, their rounded modeling providing both sculptural presence and practical grip. The rim is softly abraded, the interior smoothly worn from long use, and the surface shows an appealing mix of natural patina, scattered staining, and age marks attesting to its long service. Mortars of this type were once indispensable in both kitchens and apothecaries, used for pounding garlic, herbs, and spices.

Marble was favored for its cool, non-porous qualities that preserved flavors and resisted staining, while the four lugs allowed a secure handhold during use. This straightforward yet enduring form reflects Provençal stonecarving traditions, where utilitarian wares were often imbued with subtle elegance through proportion and hand-finished detail.

Today, this mortar serves equally as a decorative accent. It can be placed on a console as a sculptural catchall, used in the kitchen as a vessel for citrus or garlic, or adapted as a planter for herbs with a liner inside. Its worn surface and honest character bring warmth and authenticity to Mediterranean, rustic, and contemporary interiors alike.

Condition and wear consistent with age and use.
Approx. overall 6" high x 11¾" wide x 11¾" deep
Approx. overall 15cm high x 30cm wide x 30cm deep