Good sized antique burl wood mortar & pestle. This 19th Century hand carved piece is a rare find. It is heavy and very well made with a nice decorative rim and pedestal. Rich brown patina and beautiful form. Not signed. Condition is typical. Has an old crack and old repair as shown in photos. 19th century.
Mortar is 6 3/4" tall x 5 1/2" diameter. Pestle is 6 1/2" long x 1 1/4" diameter. 2.5 pounds.
Treen (literally "of a tree") is a generic name for small handmade functional household objects made of wood. Treen is distinct from furniture, such as chairs, and cabinetry, as well as clocks and cupboards. Before the late 17th century, when silver, pewter, and ceramics were introduced for tableware, most small household items, boxes and tableware were carved from wood. Today, treen is highly collectable for its patina and tactile appeal
In North America, Native Americans carved tree burls into durable wooden objects with uniquely marbled grain. Burls were rare in Europe because the old-growth forests where they are commonly found had largely been logged out of existence.
