Spalted Mortar Pestle Delicious Grain

This mortar and pestle is the best example I have ever had boasting gorgeous grain along with exceptional design detail. The color resembles a warm maple hue with plenty of divine grain that seems to hold your attention. The wood used to fashion this mortar and pestle is of the Spalted variety (not commonly found) and could possibly be olive.

This late 19th to early turn of the century mortar and pestle is not an American piece. The mortar has been turned on an early lathe and does have a cut off sprue at the bottom. A series of double banded recessed concentric circles along with a raised lower bead excite us lending decorative detail to the overall look. The seemingly cascading top rim adds yet another design element and so does the footed base.

There are a couple age related cracks on the mortar; one in the front just above the base and another on the top rim that cascades down toward the first set of double bands. No chips to report and this mortar is in overall nice condition.

The pestle having a raised bead that matches the mortar design does express some random chips along with a rough area located on the handle and bottom area below the raised bead. A couple cracks are also slightly visible near the bottom as well. Overall condition is still very good.

If you enjoy woods boasting beautiful grain features like I do then this piece would be a fantastic addition to your collection. You can fill the mortar with greens and berries for holiday decorating. Adding a small mater salt cellar nearby filled with spices such as allspice, cloves or anise would certainly create an interesting theme in your kitchen or pantry. Enjoy!

Overall height including the pestle is 11 ½” tall, mortar by itself stands 6 ½” tall, measures 3 ¾” across the top opening and measures 3 ¼” across the bottom. Pestle measures a little over 9” long, top measures 1” across and the bottom measures 1 ¼” across.