Late 19th Century French Terracotta Mortar w/ Ochre Marbling

This late 19th-century French terracotta mortar is a rare survival in exceptional condition. Made for kitchen use, it is crafted in red ochre clay with distinctive pale yellow swirled marbling, a technique often associated with southern rural pottery. The form is particularly notable for its richly molded lobes. Each of the three projecting handles features a stepped beehive-like relief, lending the piece a sculptural quality beyond its utilitarian function. The interior is left unglazed, as typical for mortars used in food preparation. Despite visible signs of long domestic use, the body remains intact and well preserved. A beautifully executed example of traditional French kitchenware with remarkable decorative detail.